Barrichello backs aggressive strategy

The Brawn driver qualified in fourth position, but the Brazilian is likely to be also the first man to make a pitstop tomorrow, as the post-qualifying car weights revealed he is carrying less fuel than all his rivals.

Barrichello, however, believes he will benefit from the strategic decision, as he reckons his car would have struggled to be higher up the grid with more fuel on board.

"I have to be very happy with that," said Barrichello. "It was an extremely competitive qualifying altogether and I was very proud with what I achieved in Q2, which was the most competitive one of the season in a way.

"I put in a good lap that put me through. I am into an aggressive strategy for Q3, but it is for the better - because overall out of the cars who were first lap contenders I don't think our car was up to the speed.

"Fourth on the grid is a plus. I think the car is quite good on the long runs, so I am looking forward to that."

Barrichello, whose team-mate Jenson Button qualified down in 14th position, believes his championship challenge is coming back to life after scoring his first win of the season in Valencia last weekend.

"Yes. Since before Valencia I have said the best I can do is to get points out of Jenson, and although it is very wide open for tomorrow I think it is my best chance so far to get points out of him," he said.

While Barrichello keeps his momentum going, Button has struggled to shine in the last couple of races and has not finished on the podium since the Turkish Grand Prix.

The Brazilian is 18 points behind with six races left.

"You live with the problems," Barrichello added. "We still lock rears in a way, but from track to track the work done on Friday was quite good, and you keep on doing it.

"I am very confident with the car. There is a good momentum and you keep on rolling. Since Silverstone it was a good turnaround but of course I had problems in Germany, I had problems in Hungary which did not look like I was on top.

"But even on that races I was doing well. I am extremely happy but with my feet on the ground as there is lots to be gained tomorrow, but also it is going to be a different race. I don't know what to expect from the guys in front."