Barrichello: Outpacing Schuey Not Important

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello played down the importance of outqualifying Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher for the first time in 2001 in today's qualifying for the Italian team's home Grand Prix at Monza.

It was the third time since he joined Ferrari at the start of the 2000 season, that the Brazilian driver was able to outpace the quadruple World Champion in a qualifying session. However, Barrichello, who is fighting for the runner-up spot in the Championship, said the achievement didn't mean much.

"I don't think it means a lot because there's a long race ahead," said Barrichello. "I had a really good car today and had all the support I needed. It's special here at Monza with all the Tifosi and we look strong and hopefully we can give them a good race tomorrow."

Schumacher, who has scored nine pole positions so far in 2001, had to settle for third place after making a mistake during his best lap. The German, however, was confident of a good race on Sunday.

"Although I am happy with the car, I made a mistake in the first sector on what should have been my best lap," he admitted. "I just didn't put the sector times together today. You can't always do very well.

"I was trying for pole of course and that meant I was pushing very hard, but I overdid it. But I am more optimistic for the race and third place is certainly not a disaster."