Barrichello talks up his race chances

Barrichello was in stunning form in qualifying at the twisty track, at one stage he was seven tenths quicker than team-mate Michael Schumacher. The world champion eventually narrowed the gap to less than a tenth of a second but could not beat the Brazilan's first flying effort. Barrichello did though, shaving a few hundredths off his time with his very last lap.

"Today, to get everything working correctly was very difficult, so I am pleased with this result," he said. "I am looking forward to the race. Starting from pole, I have the best chance as the track is cleanest on that side."

Typically, Schumacher was full of praise for the performance of his team-mate.

"Rubens did a good job and I could not match it today," admitted the world champion. "I had a wobble on my final run but it was mainly in Turn 12 that I lost time. Starting on the dirty track certainly won't help and the important thing will be to maintain position. It would be unrealistic to expect to make up a place from this position."

If the Ferrari drivers convert their starting positions into a one-two race finish it will secure the team its fourth straight constructors' championship.