Barrichello predicts close race

"The computer is saying the steering wheel is straight, but I don't think it is. I had a problem this morning and in qualifying, too.

"The problems is still there, but I think the team is getting on top of it," he added diplomatically.

Like his three chief rivals, he predicted the hilly and demanding Catalan circuit outside Barcelona would see a difficult scrap for victory.

"It's a difficult race and the tyres have to be treated with care. You cannot push, push push. You have to look after the tyres.

"I had a good simulated last week and I think we have got a handle on this track. If I don't get the others at the start I will be very close."

Like his team-mate who starts from pole, Barrichello was affected by crosswinds which struck up in qualifying.

"It was quite windy and unpredictable. My car was better this morning than this afternoon and I couldn't get the maximum out of it.

"Bearing in mind my problems I am pleased - in a way - to be in the top three, but disappointed not to be on the front row.

"I had one good run and had to abort the other. I couldn't get the car quite right as I played with the set-up. When I changed things I made one section better and another worse."