Formula One news

Barrichello loses out in battle for second

The Brawn team eventually lost out in the quest to make 2009 a perfect campaign this weekend as Rubens Barrichello failed to retake the runner-up spot in the Drivers' Championship, losing out to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel. The Brazilian, who crossed the finish line fourth in the season finale, finishes the season seven points behind the German.

With race-winning Vettel proving too quick for any of his rivals in Abu Dhabi's first ever Formula One race, the Red Bull finished the middle eastern event a comfortable 23 seconds ahead of the Paulista.

"We had a pretty competitive race today," said Barrichello, who many people believe has now driven his last race for the Brawn team. "The start was quite exciting and I went to the inside at Turn 1 but unfortunately collided slightly with Mark (Webber) and he took a chunk of my front wing with him."

With Champion Jenson Button having benefitted from his team-mate's subsequent loss of downforce, Rubens talked of the lack of passing chances during the race. "I was quicker than Jenson in the middle stint but it's very difficult to overtake - and even more so when it's your team-mate in the same car - so there wasn't anything I could do to get past him," Barrichello explained. "Still, it was a competitive race and a lot of fun so I have to be pleased with fourth position today.

"It's been a truly great season and I have to thank the team for giving me both a car that has been so competitive this year and the opportunity to return to winning ways again - we've had a great year together." With the Williams team due to reveal its line-up on Monday, the oldest driver in the field is expected to be one of the drivers for what could be his last season in the sport.

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