Emotional Barrichello hails perfect day

The Brazilian, who had last finished in the top three in the 2005 United States Grand Prix, completed a sensational race at Silverstone to finish in third place.

Barrichello, starting from 16th position with his Honda, took full advantage of his decision to use extreme weather tyres at the right moment, storming through the field to reach a podium position.

The result was Barrichello's 62nd Formula One podium and Honda's first of the season.

Despite his podium drought, the veteran racer said he never lost belief in his abilities and hailed his race as perfect.

"I never lost the belief I have in me with the speed and everything," said Barrichello. "It was obviously a lucky day and it seemed to happen to me. I love the wet weather conditions but it was a perfect race.

"We had a minor problem on the pitstop. I thought I had the fuel already but they didn't let me go. But that was a minor problem because it was the right decision for us to take extreme wet tyres.

"I was passing people from inside to outside, it was just magic. So I thought that was a good decision because I went off at Club and nearly hit the wall. It was Club and Abbey that were the most difficult ones. I said I am coming in and coming in for the extremes."

The 36-year-old, now 10th in the championship, admitted he is still in love with the sport.

"I have this great feeling, it is like I am young," he said. "I am smiling to the problems and I am working more. I love the sport, I love the speed and I cannot live without it.

"Not that I needed to prove to Ross (Brawn) that I am physically capable. I want to say thanks and dedicate this to my kid Eduardo. He saw how tough it was to be 16th so I said I would pray for rain to get me on the podium."