Schumacher brands Barrichello 'the best'.

Michael Schumacher has come out in support of team-mate Rubens Barrichello, after the Brazilian's German GP victory kept the championship leader atop the table.

Schumacher added a first corner retirement in his home grand prix to another one in the preceding Austrian round, but Barrichello's storming drive from 18th to first ensured that he kept his series lead ahead of the two McLaren drivers. The gap was narrowed to a meagre two points at Hockenheim, but a win for either Mika Hakkinen or David Coulthard would have seen them leap-frog the German for the first time all season, and Schumacher was full of praise for his latest partner.

''Rubens is the best, and the quickest, team-mate I have ever driven with,'' he said shortly after the rain-affected German round, clearly classing the Brazilian above previous wing-man Eddie Irvine.

How times change. In recent seasons, Schumacher was singing Irvine's praises, as the Irishman backed up abortive championship challenges, without winning races of his own. When, in 1999, the eventual runner-up started to take the top step of the podium in his own right, Schumacher was quick to point out that Hakkinen remained favourite for the crown and, now that Irvine has added his voice in opposition of Schumacher's race tactics, he has been passed over as the German's best team-mate, despite out-performing Barrichello during their time together at Jordan.

Barrichello will be boosted by the praise heaped on him by Schumacher, but will also have his pride tempered by the knowledge that he will never be allowed to challenge the German for the title - despite now lying just ten points adrift with six races remaining.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has made it clear that Schumacher is the Italian team's chosen option as champion, despite Barrichello apparently having been given equal status prior to the season, and the Brazilian will be expected to resume his role as number two as the season continues in Hungary this weekend.