Barrichello Happy to Silence Detractors

Rubens Barrichello savoured the test of revenge as he answered critics following a flawless performance to win the British Grand Prix today.

The win was his best reply to critics who have questioned his ability.

"In the last few weeks, people have been saying so much about first lap crashes. Okay. Shut up now," said the Brazilian, who spun at the end of the first lap of the last race in France. "I overtook a lot of people."

The Brazilian, starting from pole, beat Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya's Williams in a thrilling and chaotic race that tightened up the title battle and plunged the Silverstone circuit owners deeper into trouble.

It was Barrichello's sixth career win and, by a remarkable coincidence, his second in a race disrupted by a track protest. The Brazilian also won at Hockenheim in 2000.

"If I tell you I never saw him, would you believe it?," he asked. "It's the second time that I win with someone on the racetrack. They're going to say he's Brazilian for sure."

Five times champion Michael Schumacher's overall lead over Kimi Raikkonen has been trimmed to seven points from eight with five races remaining after the German finished in fourth position today. Schumacher has 69 points, Raikkonen 62 and Juan Pablo Montoya 55. Ralf Schumacher has 53 points and Barrichello 49.

Ferrari lead the Constructors' Championship with 118 points to Williams's 108.