Barrichello Targeting Pole and Win

Rubens Barrichello is confident he will be able to fight for pole position and victory at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

Brazilian Barrichello, winner last year in a Ferrari one-two that sent the red army of tifosi spilling on to the track in celebration, was 0.128 slower than Williams rival Juan Pablo Montoya in the first qualifying session today.

"I set quite a good time," said the Brazilian. "There was a lot of wind which made the car rather nervous. We are very close to our rivals and I think everything is in place for us to go for pole tomorrow and to try to win on Sunday.

"This morning, we had a few problems, but we resolved them in time for qualifying. We have a good starting point on which to develop the car over the next two days. The Bridgestone tyres worked well and we have reaped the benefits of last week's test."

Barrichello outpaced his World Champion teammate Michael Schumacher by nearly half a second, the German driver being the first man to go out today.

Schumacher's quest for a record sixth title is in danger of stalling at Ferrari's home circuit and he has not led a Grand Prix since June, a five-race losing streak. The Ferrari driver, however, was happy with his start.

"It was quite a good lap. The fact that, once again, I was first out on track was certainly not an advantage, even though this has been the situation so often this season," said Schumacher. "I am happy with the time I set and the position from which I will tackle tomorrow's qualifying session.

"I think we have a good base on which to work for the next couple of days. Now we have to see how competitive we are up against our rivals."