Runner-up Rubens questions DC tactics

Barrichello, who won this race last year in extraordinary circumstances, finished second to Ralf Schumacher's Williams-BMW. But he was the only one of the leading drivers to gamble on a two-stop strategy and a lighter car.

As he charged up through the field on a lighter fuel load, McLaren's world title long-shot Coulthard gamely refused to concede fifth place in a badly-understeering car.

"It took a long time to overtake David," he said. "I wasn't afraid we would collide, because we have respect for each other and he left me room. It was a fair contest, but I thought he was little bit too close.

"I wasn't sure what he was doing because he was losing time by fighting with me - maybe three seconds a lap. Surely we wanted to be second or third not fifth or sixth?"

The Brazilian went around the outside of the Scot twice going into the stadium to take position from him. In the end, Coulthard retired with an engine-related failure.

"He was one up because he overtook me at Silverstone last year so I needed to go on the outside to pay him back," joked Rubens.

Barrichello defended his decision to go for a two-stopper, saying that was the only way to fight the Williams-BMWs on anything approaching equal terms.

"Williams were on another level and the best I could hope for today going into the race was third," he said. "Basically they were really fast and the two-stop strategy paid off because I was the only one on their pace. In the end I got everything I would have hoped for."

Barrichello was in the points for the sixth time in seven races as he raced home a distant 46 seconds behind Schumacher at the flag.

In the process, he lost third place in the championship to the German, who moves a single point clear with his third victory of the season.

In an eventful race the Ferrari ace was also hit by Mika Hakkinen's McLaren.

"I was a little bit worried I might have a problem because Mika hit me from behind at the second chicane," he recalled. "But he came up to me afterwards and apologised, saying he got it wrong."

Michael Schumacher has 84 points at the head of the points table, with Coulthard on 47, Ralf Schumacher on 41 and Barrichello dropping to fourth on 40. Five races and a maximum of 50 points remain.