Barrichello hails Williams progress

The Brazilian driver had achieved a season-best result after finishing in fourth place at the European Grand Prix, and he continued with his momentum at Silverstone today, winding up fifth.

"It was a good race today," said Barrichello. "It started well on the opening lap and I managed to claim some positions without too much trouble. Around the stops and the safety car, we gained a position from Alonso and lost one to Jenson, but overall we were in a safe position to come home in fifth.

"It is a great effort from the team to achieve a top five finish two races in a row - not so much in absolute results, but the direction of improvement.

"The team is still not quite where it belongs, but we are quite happy with our performance today. We will continue to think and work positively and continue our forward progress."

Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg finished 10th to give Williams its first double points finish of the season.

"All in all that was a positive race," Hulkenberg said. "It's a shame I lost places at the start though and going down the Hangar Straight Petrov just managed to overtake me round the outside.

"That, combined with not being able to get past Michael at the end, meant tenth for me today. A long first stint on the option tyre was the right strategy call and a good effort by the team."