Barrichello: Tyres Crucial for Ferrari's Dominance

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello believes Ferrari's partnership with tyre manufacturer Bridgestone is the most important factor in their dominant 2002 season.

"I think the fact we work so well with Bridgestone and the way the tyre works on the car, has been the single most important thing," said Barrichello, winner of the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend, when the Italian squad clinched their fourth consecutive Constructors' Championship.

"We had wondered how hot it would get and what effect that would have on the tyres, but they worked really well," he said of the race in Hungary. "We were able to open a big enough gap and the reliability of the car did the rest."

Ferrari are the only top team using Bridgestone rubber this year, with rivals Williams and McLaren using tyres from French manufacturer Michelin. The Maranello squad have scored 11 wins out of 13 races this year, while both British teams have scored one victory each.

Sunday's win allowed Barrichello to move in second place in the standings behind teammate and World Champion Michael Schumacher. The Brazilian is now five points ahead of Williams drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher with four races remaining.