Ferrari boss 'disappointed for Barrichello'

"Above all, I'm disappointed for Rubens," said the Frenchman. "He was having a great race. After a great start which saw him lead, Rubens suffered a high pressure hydraulic system problem which forced him to retire."

The Brazilian has now led two of the four Grands Prix he has taken part in for Ferrari, but has also retired twice due to mechanical failure - and suffered problems in the San Marino Grand Prix when straps securing him to his seat snapped.

The reliability record of the Ferraris has been exemplary in recent years, and the team is concerned about Barrichello's car's failure to finish.

"We have to discover what caused the problem on Rubens' car, and we will concentrate on not letting any more points slip from our grasp," said Todt.

The legendary team manager had thanked his driver only 24 hours beforehand, for securing Ferrari's first pole position of the season and Ferrari's 128th.

Barrichello explained that the problems the number 4 Ferrari had suffered from at Silverstone were similar to those which caused his retirement in the Brazilian Grand Prix, while lying second.

"I spun because of the erratic behaviour of the engine, which almost died on the entry to the corner, before the power suddenly came in again.

"It was a problem with the high pressure hydraulic circuit, similar to the one in Brazil, but for a different reason."

Barrichello has scored three pole positions in his career, and led five Grands Prix, though he has yet to win.