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Barrichello was sure he would win again

An overjoyed Rubens Barrichello always knew he would end his Formula 1 victory drought this season - despite seeing team-mate Jenson Button seize the initiative with six wins earlier in the campaign

Barrichello took his first triumph since China 2004 in last weekend's European Grand Prix to reignite his world championship campaign - and prove his vast experience is no hindrance to his speed.

And although there were times earlier this season when his annoyance at missing out on wins manifested itself in outbursts against the team - most notably in Spain and Germany - he has said he was sure that success would eventually come.

"It is just sweet," Barrichello told AUTOSPORT as he reflected on his victory. "First of all I need to say that although I wasn't winning at first when Jenson was winning, it was such a nice shock in such a nice way to drive a quick car, that it was good.

"I was out of a seat in F1, then suddenly I was driving and it was a good car, so I had to be delighted with that. Now, in the paddock, people just love this win.

"I am a guy who doesn't think on the frustrations, and doesn't work on the negative. I work on the positives, and the fact that Jenson was wining was only telling me that I was going to be able to do it.

"And for me that has come in difficult circumstances. We didn't do very well in the last three races and then I win a race that was tough for everyone - so I am just delighted.

"I have always thought positive. I'm a hard worker, and I love being able to win a race like this - and hopefully I can win the next six."

Button heaped the praise on Barrichello for delivering Brawn GP its seventh win of the season - and cheekily hoped that the triumph would result in the Brazilian celebrate in style and not being in best shape for Belgium next weekend.

"It's been five years for him and he deserves it," said Button. "He knows I mean it when I say well done to him and great job this weekend.

"We've been together for four years now as team-mates and I am sure he found it very difficult at the start of the season, but now he has got his first win for this team. It is a big step for him.

"Hopefully the next few days will be big for him and he will not be on form next weekend! We will see."

And Button admitted that Barrichello was now just as much a threat for the world championship as Red Bull Racing duo Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.

"He is a tough opponent and you need that in a team. Red Bull are the same, they have Vettel and Webber, who are fighting each other.

"I never thought it was going to be easy with Rubens. He is very competitive and for me it is a question of getting the best out of the car. I didn't get the most out of it here."

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