Barrichello Promises Not to Let Ferrari Down

A poor qualifying performance by Rubens Barrichello hurt Ferrari's chances of winning the constructors' title at Sunday's German Grand Prix but the Brazilian promised to make amends in the race.

"The position is not ideal but I know I will rely on a strong package and I'm confident I can gain places and get a good result," said Barrichello, who will start from the fourth row of the grid in seventh position.

Teammate Michael Schumacher will be on pole but the World Champion needs help if Ferrari are to secure the constructors' crown at Hockenheim.

The Italian team have to beat second-placed Renault by 13 points, meaning both their cars must be among the frontrunners on Sunday for Ferrari to leave Germany with their sixth consecutive title.

"I had a lot of problems in the morning (in practice) but the qualifying was okay," said Barrichello. "I made a mistake on the last section which cost me a lot of time."

The Brazilian, lying second in the Championship behind runaway leader Schumacher, has been extremely reliable so far this season, with nine podium placings out of 11 races. He is the only driver to have scored points in every race.

To bet on Ferrari's seventh one-two finish of the season for Sunday seems risky but team boss Jean Todt said he did expect Barrichello to move up the field.

"It was a shame for Rubens, who lost precious time in the final section," said the Frenchman. "However, I am confident he can have a good race, given that a few times this season, he has started a bit further back and managed to stage a great climb in the order."

While Barrichello will try to score as many points as possible, Schumacher will chase his 11th win this season to match the record he set in 2002.

"We expect a tough race and we will tackle it with the same approach we have adopted at the 11 previous rounds, which means with absolute determination and motivation," Todt said.