Fuel Flap Problem Costs Barrichello Dear

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello continued with his streak of bad luck, and on Sunday's German Grand Prix the Ferrari driver could only finished fourth after being hampered by a problem with the fuel flap on his Ferrari.

Barrichello, who was left stranded on the grid in the last two races at Silverstone and Magny-Cours, lost all his chances of a podium finish when he was hit by trouble in his second pit stop.

In the end, the Brazilian had to settle for fourth place, and he is now seven points behind Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya in the Championship standings.

"It was a very difficult race," Barrichello said. "As I was going onto the grid, I felt there was something not quite right on the race car, so to be on the safe side we decided to take the spare. After the start, the car was going quite well, but it was not easy for me to try and get past Ralf.

"When I made my second pit stop the fuel flap on the car did not open and that cost me precious time and a place on the podium. Once back on track, I concentrated on bringing the car home to pick up points for the Championship."