I got it wrong, admits Barrichello

Barrichello was running in the top eight when he spun on the exit of the final chicane on the opening lap while chasing the Renault of Fernando Alonso.

"I got my line wrong at the new chicane at the end of the first lap, as I was unsighted because I was following Alonso's Renault in front of me very closely," said Barrichello. "When I turned, I went up on the kerb, the car didn't want to respond and all I can say is that it was my mistake. My chances of a good result ended at that moment."

After a time-consuming recovery, Barrichello fought his way back to salvage two points in seventh.

"For the rest of the race, I tried to climb back through the field, making the most of the change to a two stop strategy," he added. "I managed to do just that and at least I picked up a couple of valuable points for the constructors' championship."