I'm Getting Better, Says Barrichello

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello declared himself back on form and 'kicking with both feet' after taking his first pole position of the year on Saturday.

The Brazilian gave himself a confidence boost by relegating teammate Michael Schumacher to second place on the US Grand Prix starting grid after being outqualified by the World Champion in the last eight races.

His pre-qualifying lap was the fastest yet by a Formula One driver since the Indianapolis Grand Prix circuit was first used in 2000 and he now has a real chance of making his American dream come true on Sunday.

The difference, said Barrichello, was all down to a change of style.

Many Changes

"I have been through so many changes in terms of driving," the Brazilian told reporters at the Speedway today. "I started the season driving one way and I was finding it quite good in race pace and everything but in qualifying I couldn't get it going.

"Obviously I did a little bit of adapting and right now I feel that I am driving the best so far this season."

Barrichello, winner in the US in 2002, has been experimenting in an effort to narrow the gap with the dominant German and only now is it beginning to pay off.

"I have been driving a little bit more on my left foot since the beginning of the season but I am naturally a right footer so obviously I am kicking with both feet now," he said.

"A footballer who kicks with both feet can be better. So I am a little bit of both but I have just got better as the season progressed on everything.

"I think I am driving a little bit back to last season right now," added the Brazilian, whose last win was at the 2003 season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn agreed: "Rubens has been very strong right from the start of the weekend and he did a great lap in qualifying. In some races in this first part of the season he had some hard times but now he is on great form."