Top 2-stroke Barros congratulated by Barrichello.

In spite of the incessant rain and a water-covered track surface at Estoril yesterday, Alex Barros demonstrated his excellent riding skills in being the only two-stroke rider capable of staying with the pace of the four-strokes - and in a superb last lap he overtook Max Biaggi to claim fifth spot.

"I am happy because I tried everything during the race, " smile Barros. "In the beginning I had trouble staying with McWilliams, who was pushing hard, but after his crash I stayed on Max Biaggi's wheel for the rest of the race.

Barros then described how he was able to get around the much more powerful machine of Max Biaggi: "On the last lap I managed to pass Biaggi under braking on the back straight and get a few metres of advantage ahead of him so that he did not pass me on the finish line. I did not try the manoeuvre before because I knew he could pass me again easily.

"I am happy as I am the first two-stroke rider but I am really surprised by the difference in performance between Biaggi and me, which shows that I really did do a good race.

"I thought that after the tyre testing with Michelin in Clermont Ferrand we would be closer to the four-strokes in wet conditions, but in reality it was completely the opposite. After the race it seems to me that the greater weight of these bikes gives them more front-end grip," noted the Brazilian.

Although after first qualifying it had looked as though Barros would be a contender for victory, Team Owner Sito Pons still recognised his efforts after the Estoril lottery.

"I am satisfied because Alex rode an intelligent race and fifth place is an excellent result for him," said Pons. "In fact he was the only two-stroke rider to stay with the four-strokes and that is a reflection of the good work he has done.

On a different note the Brazilian Ferrari driver, Rubens Barrichello, visited the West Honda Pons pits to greet and congratulate fellow countryman Barros after his excellent race.