Brawn: 'we've made a step forward'

The team has introduced several new developments for Silverstone, and tyre supplier Bridgestone has introduced a new compound of tyres as it bids to close the performance deficit to rival Michelin.

"Our chassis-engine-tyre package has taken a significant step forward compared with the last few races," said Brawn. "Bridgestone came up with new tyres for us, both in terms of their compound and their construction. I feel everything is in place for us to have a great race tomorrow."

For Barrichello, his second pole of the year marked a complete turn around after he spun off on his qualifying lap yesterday (Friday). "I was in agony for the session to end," he said. "Yesterday, I made a mistake and also we had tried something completely different in terms of set-up which did not work.

"So today, we knew we had to work in a different direction. I don't think running at the beginning of the session was a disadvantage in terms of lap time, but there was a lot more pressure to be 100 percent committed but not to make a mistake."

But team-mate Michael Schumacher, running last, did make a mistake. The German was level with Barrichello on time until an off-track excursion dropped him to fifth on the grid. "I made a mistake, slid and ran wide at Abbey and of course, driving on grass is not very good for traction," he said.

"Given the overall performance of our car this weekend, I expect us to be consistent in the race and fifth place is not the end of the world, although it will make my life more difficult. It will be a long afternoon, so let's wait and see."