Barrichello Claims First Chinese Grand Prix

Brazilian pilot Rubens Barrichello clinched the inaugural victory in the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, outracing his Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher by more than a lap. The German finished in 12th place, the lowest for the world champion so far this season. "It's been a season where I have been playing catch up really to Michael. He started on a higher level an, for some reason, I wasn't able to catch him," Barrichello said at a press conference following the first Formula One race in China. "Right now I am just going through a good phase and here in China since the beginning of the week I have been setting good times and the set-up was quite good," he said deferentially. The new Shanghai International Circuit, designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, had stumped Schumacher in the pre-race test drives, causing his car to spin out of control Saturday. Other drivers had also had difficulty mastering the tight set of curves and alternating inclines. "Physically, I would say this race was a lot tougher than Monza," said the Brazilian, who won in Italy two weeks ago. Rubens is now in second place in the overall championship, but still behind Shumacher.