Barrichello Claims First Chinese Grand Prix
September 26, 2004Brazilian 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.