Zoom Barrichello satisfied with third on this occasion

Starting second yesterday at the British Grand Prix, Rubens Barrichello had hoped that the slightly warmer conditions for race day would help Brawn Mercedes close the gap to the Red Bull Renault team. However, as the start lights faded Sebastian Vettel launched into the lead and quickly built an insurmountable advantage at the head of the field.

The first round of pits stops saw Mark Webber move second behind his team-mate leaving Barrichello third to the chequered flag.

“I said we were thinking that third was the best we could have and we knew that if the track didn't change a little bit it was going to be difficult to beat them,” Barrichello reflected. “They were the class of field this weekend.”

“We were hoping that the weather could get a little hotter but it never did, so it was a struggle but having said that, I’m happy because all in all I took some points out of Jenson, so for me that’s the target that I have achieved. Jenson has been quite strong in every race this year. Let’s say he birdied the first holes, I hope he bogeys the next ones and I can birdy. It’s pretty much like that. I hope that this is a turnaround here.”

The Brazilian veteran also revealed that he had been suffering with back pain and anyone who endures such pain will have their sympathies for the Brawn racer.

“I want to thank all the doctors that helped me this weekend because I was in terrible back pain and Doctor Cecarelli and the doctors at Toro Rosso and my friends there that helped me and my physio as my back really hurt the whole weekend and they helped me big time.”

While Barrichello has indeed taken five points out of Button’s championship lead, Vettel has also now closed to within just two points of Barrichello at the mid-stage of the season.

Earl ALEXANDER
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