Ralf Went Over the Top, Says Barrichello

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello believes Williams driver Ralf Schumacher tried too hard to stop him from overtaking during today's Japanese Grand Prix.

Schumacher and Barrichello battled hard throughout the race, with the Ferrari driver eventually finishing ahead of the German after the Williams driver received a ten-second stop and go penalty for cutting through the final chicane of the Suzuka circuit.

Barrichello, who needed to win the race in order to have a chance of taking second place in the Championship, believes Schumacher "went a bit over the top" in their fight.

"In order to win, we had to try something special, like going for a three-stop strategy," Barrichello said. "Unfortunately, this did not pay off. The Williams were very quick down the straight and I could not stay ahead of Montoya when I was running my best set of tyres.

"Then I lost more time during my final stop, when the engine cut out. That meant I was no longer in with a chance of even getting on the podium. All the same, I enjoyed my battle with Montoya, although I think Ralf went a bit over the top in our fight together."