More bad luck for Barrichello.

Ferrari number two Rubens Barrichello suffered yet more bad luck yesterday during the United States Grand Prix when he retired while running in a strong second position and challenging eventual winner Mika Hakkinen.

Barrichello who was also robbed of a possible victory at the Italian GP two weeks ago when a fuel-stop problem cost him around seven seconds though refused to be downcast.

The Brazilian said: "Since Michael (Schumacher) won the championship, I had four races at my disposal to win a grand prix, with the full support of the team. At Spa, things did not go well, while in Monza it looked possible until my pit stop problem. Here also, things were looking good until the engine problem. In the final part of the race, I was gaining around half a second a lap on (Mika) Hakkinen, when I felt something was not right with the engine. It was a real shame, given that I had to stop, losing even the position I was in."

"I don't like the word 'unlucky.' These things happen! Michael (Schumacher) and I had different strategies, even if there was not much difference between them. Starting from pole, he did not face the prospect of having to overtake, whereas I had to move up the order. Having the spare car at my disposal proves the team believes in the fact I can win and today, I showed that I have the right motivation to succeed in that."

Ferrari boss Jean Todt added: "I am really disappointed for Rubens, who had driven a great race. He had adopted an aggressive strategy and made a very good start and then some great passing moves. Unfortunately, his engine developed a problem a few laps from the end. Rubens tried to keep going, but with just two laps to go, he had to retire at the side of the track. It's a shame, because today's was our first engine failure in a race this season. Now we have to find the cause. However, we have to accept that once a year an engine might break. Michael was on a one stop strategy and was passed when Hakkinen made his stop seven laps later. Then, events in the race brought Michael up to second. With one race remaining this season, the top three places in the Constructors' classification are now decided, while the fight is still on for second place in the Drivers' Championship. However, Rubens' retirement today makes it difficult for him to catch up with (David) Coulthard."