Barrichello makes lightning start

Rubens Barrichello made a lightning start from pole position as Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher struggled early in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

After several hours of rain this morning the race started in sunny conditions but on a damp track which gave teams a headache when it came to tyre choice.

Barrichello went for intermediates while most of his rivals plumped for dry tyres, with David Coulthard starting from the pit lane after a late decision to change rubber.

Barrichello’s decision paid off when he shot clear of the competition on lap one as Schumacher spun down to 15th.

Renault’s Fernando Alonso led the chase of Barrichello with Williams’ Juan Pablo Montoya third.

Jenson Button was fifth for BAR after lap one.