Barrichello Delighted to be Back on Top

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello seized pole position for Sunday's British Grand Prix after a rare qualifying error by Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher.

Championship leader Schumacher, winner last year, was comfortably inside Barrichello's time when he went off at the exit to Abbey curve and finished fifth fastest. The German must now start behind his two main title rivals Kimi Raikkonen and Ralf Schumacher.

Barrichello hit the track about 50 minutes before Schumacher, who was fastest on Friday and therefore went last under the one lap format introduced this season, and he said he felt some pressure.

It was Barrichello's second pole of the season, after Brazil in April, and a remarkable turnaround for Ferrari's patient number two who failed to clock a time in Friday's first qualifying when he skidded off.

"I knew when Michael went wide that he probably wouldn't beat me," said Barrichello, who is 25 points behind Schumacher in the Championship standings and may have to defer to the German on Sunday if the circumstances arise. "I had a bit of mixed emotions. You say 'don't beat me' but also 'go well' because we have team spirit.

"I was in agony waiting for the session to end. The car is very fast and Bridgestone has done a fantastic job. I don't think running at the beginning of the session was a disadvantage in terms of lap time, but there was a lot more pressure to be 100% committed but not to make a mistake. It was a mind game."

Schumacher, meanwhile, lamented his error but was still confident of a good race.

"Naturally, I am a bit disappointed with today's qualifying," admitted Schumacher. "I made a mistake, slid and ran wide at Abbey and of course, driving on grass is not very good for traction. The current top runners in the championship; Ralf, Kimi and myself are close together on the grid, which could be important tomorrow.

"Given the overall performance of our car this weekend, I expect us to be consistent in the race and fifth place is not the end of the world, although it will make my life more difficult. It will be a long afternoon, so let's wait and see."