Brawn dismisses 'team orders' reports

Ross Brawn has sought to placate a clearly sore Rubens Barrichello by insisting no team orders came into play during the Spanish Grand Prix.

Barrichello was far from happy at the end of yesterday’s race after having to settle for second behind Brawn GP team-mate Jenson Button who clinched his fourth win in five grands prix this season.

The Brazilian felt he should have won after superbly passing pole-sitter Button from third on the grid on the run down to the first corner at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

With both drivers on a three-stop strategy, and with Barrichello on a slightly heavier fuel load, the 36-year-old felt the win was his for the taking at that stage.

However, Barrichello was surprised to hear Brawn switched Button to a two-stopper just a lap prior to his first visit to the pits, and it proved decisive.

Asked whether team orders had perhaps crossed Barrichello’s mind, Brawn replied: “I hope not because we’re not (doing that).”