Barrichello snatches early lead in Montreal

Rubens Barrichello seized the advantage from Williams-BMW star Juan Pablo Montoya as the Brazilian put himself in position to claim a first victory of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix.

After starting from pole, Montoya got the better start when the red lights went off and chopped in front of Michael Schumacher to lead into the first corner.

The German Ferrari driver endured a sluggish getaway and was pipped into the first turn by team-mate Barrichello who set about the chase of leader Montoya.

The Colombian took a slightly slower line through the final corner and Barrichello sensed his chance, pulling up alongside the Williams and squeezing past into the first corner.

Pedro de la Rosa’s race ended early as his Jaguar ploughed into a wall after being pushed onto the grass by Toyota’s Allan McNish.

Renault’s Jenson Button enjoyed a frantic battle with former world champion Jacques Villeneuve’s BAR, swapping places with the Canadian before clinging on to take 10th position despite a detour over the kerbs on the last chicane.

Mika Salo made an early charge in his Toyota, claiming 11th spot on the seventh lap after blasting past the BARs of Villeneuve and Olivier Panis.

Montoya pushed hard to catch Barrichello - who appeared to be on a light fuel load - and bounced across the kerbs on the last chicane after eight laps before the leading Ferrari made the same mistake a lap later.