Barrichello keeps Ferrari flag flying
The Brazilian followed up his win in Italy two weeks ago by holding off a late charge by Jenson Button in a BAR-Honda, finishing marginally ahead of the Briton in front of 150,000 fans at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Kimi Raikkonen in a McLaren was a close-up third with less than 1.5 seconds separating the top three.
Formula One fever had gripped China's glitziest city and it was a suitably close and competitive race on an historic day, introducing the sport to a country with no tradition of motor racing.
"I had a very good start and was feeling good the whole way through," said Barrichello.
"It's been a season where I've played catch-up to Michael. For some reason I couldn't catch him but right now I'm going through a good phase."
While Barrichello took the honours, all eyes were on Schumacher, who was forced to begin the race from the pit when Ferrari replaced his engine after the German ace spun in qualifying Saturday.
He came out of the blocks flying and clawed his way up to ninth. But his aggressive driving saw him lose control again, his car spinning on lap 13 as he went in search of a 13th win of the season.
Overcast skies and temperatures in the mid 20s provided perfect driving conditions and the world champion was posting fastest lap times. But a puncture further hindered his blitz through the field and he was not able to make it into the points.
Schumacher has now gone three races without a win since last tasting victory in Hungary, although he secured his seventh world title after finishing second in the Belgian Grand Prix last month.
It was a frustrating day for the Schumacher clan. Brother Ralf was forced to retire when fourth after a collision with David Coulthard's McLaren.
His retirement opened the door to Spain's Fernando Alonso in a Renault who held on to finish fourth. Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams was fifth and Button's BAR teammate Takuma Sato sixth.
Jacques Villeneuve, back after almost a year away since being dumped by BAR, managed a credible 11th in his Renault but had some hairy moments, careering onto the gravel on lap 44.
For Barrichello it was the perfect start, making a clean getaway to power into the first turn ahead of the pack after starting on pole.
He never looked in real danger, using the impressive pace of his F2004 machine to clock a second win of the season.
It was also a determined drive from Button, who is rapidly reinforcing his reputation after a series of podium finishes this season as he pushes BAR towards second in the constructors' championships.
With an exciting Schumacher drive in prospect, the fans turned out en masse, whipped up by the glamour of the world's most prestigious motor racing event.
Virtually everyone involved in Formula One has rated the event a huge success and the plaudits continued yesterday.
"It's one of the slickest and most professional efforts you will find and the welcome and happiness of the people here is a compliment to this fabulous new event on the calendar," said Jordan boss Eddie Jordan.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
