Barrichello criticises Safety Car decision

Barrichello, who had built up a reasonable lead by the time the Safety Car was brought out, was unimpressed by the decision.

"The safety car ruined my race and I don't see why it was used as it would be impossible to hit the BAR where it was parked," he said. "I knew that two stops might be risky with a possible Safety Car, but I was comfortable with my two stop strategy as I was prepared to push and try and win the race.

A second Safety Car period looked likely later in the race when Allan McNish spun his Toyota into retirement in a far more dangerous location. Fortunately, the marshalls quickly cleared the obstruction, allowing the race to continue unabaited.

Ferrari boss Jean Todt acknowledged Barrichello's misfortune. "It's a shame about the arrival of the Safety Car on lap 14 that prevented Rubens from getting the most out of it," he said.