Schumacher reprimanded

The Brazilian had complained after the session that his former Ferrari team-mate had slowed him on a quick lap.

However, Mercedes disputed that and team principal Ross Brawn suggested the Williams veteran had exaggerated the incident to try and gain an advantage.

“I think the stewards took the correct view that Rubens wasn't on a fast lap,” he told reporters after hearing that Schumacher had kept his ninth place grid position for Sunday's race, with Barrichello 10th.

“I think it's disappointing if a driver claims he's on his best lap of the session when clearly it wasn't true.”

The stewards said in their statement that, irrespective of Mercedes' opinion that Barrichello was not on a fast lap, Schumacher had a responsibility to use his mirrors and pay attention to warning flags.

“Rubens is of the view that Michael is impolite and doesn't give a (damn) about anything else,” Williams co-owner Patrick Head told reporters.
Barrichello declined comment on Head's remark, other than saying ‘That's Patrick’.  “Honestly, in life you've got to give respect to get respect,” he said.