Schumacher Vows to Pay Back Barrichello

Michael Schumacher has promised to pay back Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello after the Brazilian let him win the Austrian Grand Prix.

Schumacher said he took no joy from the victory - his fourth in a row - and vowed that he too would pull aside should Barrichello need a victory later in the season.

"I don't think Rubens needs me to return this favour," Schumacher said after the race at Austria's picturesque A1-Ring. "The way he drives now he is going to win a race sooner or later by himself, without me. But be sure, if he doesn't, it will be returned."

The four times World Champion, who now leads the Championship by 27 points, has won five of six races this season.

Barrichello said the decision was not an issue and would not affect his relationship with Schumacher, despite it being the second time he has been forced to yield position to him in Austria. Last year he gave up second place to finish third.

"I promise you that I have always been proud to drive alongside Michael," the Brazilian said. "Today was a team decision and there's nothing to talk about. I was asked to do it... I said, I will do it and that's it.

"I don't wish, I promise you from the bottom of my heart, Michael out of the race for me to win, but I just have to keep on doing my good work. I think the way the race went, as everybody saw, it was probably one of the best of my life."

Schumacher gave his trophy to the Brazilian, who said he would in turn hand it on to his wife who was celebrating her birthday on Sunday. Schumacher was confident Barrichello would win sooner or later this season, with 11 races remaining.

"I am sure that the way Rubens drove today he will have a lot of opportunities to secure victories this year, and I told him on the podium that I hope the Championship is soon finished so we can go for real racing," he said.