Barrichello Laments Another Win that Got Away

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello lamented a lost opportunity on Sunday after once again finishing second best to Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher.

"It is very unfortunate in a way," he told reporters after starting the US Grand Prix from pole position, leading early and setting the fastest lap of the race with a record time.

"It is good to have a one-two again and we must be part of our team and everything but I am just disappointed really, more than Canada. More than ever, I thought I had the win in my hands."

For once Barrichello and Schumacher duelled for supremacy, a rare sight for fans more used to seeing the Brazilian accept his status in the team heirarchy and play second fiddle to the German World Champion. Last weekend in Canada he also finished second, albeit after Ralf Schumacher's Williams was disqualified.

"Both I could have won," said Barrichello. "So there's no ifs. I go out of here happy but wanting to win sooner than ever. There were two races that maybe I could have won," Barrichello added, and Schumacher agreed that he had been fortunate in Indianapolis.

"Today was a hard work-out," he said. "Rubens pushed very hard, he was quick all weekend and I wasn't really expecting the win today. I thought I would have to settle for eight points."

Schumacher, with eight wins in nine races, leads the Championship with 80 points to Barrichello's 62.