More heartache for Barrichello

As has become the norm, the Ferrari driver put in a strong race performance in his home grand prix, but saw his efforts come to nothing as his 2001-spec car ground to a halt on the 17th lap of the race.

"It was hydraulic pressure, no gears, no drive, no nothing," said Barrichello. "I was just driving flat out, that's all I could do."

After starting from a lowly eighth place, Barrichello gained a place on the first lap following Juan Pablo Montoya's accident, and on a light fuel load his Ferrari was the quickest car on the track in the opening stages. Using his superior traction out of Turn 10, he passed both Renaults, both McLarens and Ralf Schumacher's Williams under braking into the first corner.

Team-mate Michael Schumacher let Barrichello through without fuss, to allow the Brazilian to lead in front of an ecstatic home crowd. His two-stop strategy, compared to Schumacher's (both Michael and Ralf) one, meant he probably would have finished third had the normally reliable Ferrari made it to the end.

"I'm disappointed but there's nothing I could have done about it. I am driving as fast as I can, and in some ways we could say that I have retired when leading in each of the three races.

"It's been a bad beginning to the year. I had so many problems yesterday, but I am still confident."

Barrichello is yet to finish a race this year. He was eliminated from the season opener in Melbourne at the first corner, while his Malaysian GP ended with engine failure.