Saturday March 30th, 2002

The chances of success for Brazilian Rubens Barrichello in his home race at Interlagos on Sunday were hit on Saturday lunchtime when it was revealed he will have his fastest qualifying time taken away after a rule infringement in the second practice session.

In a statement from the FIA, Ferrari driver Barrichello was deemed to have left the pitlane when the exit lights were red, contravening article 113 of the sporting regulations.

Barrichello made the mistake at the end of the second session, after the practice had been red-flagged when Nick Heidfeld's Sauber car was stuck out on track.

With teams generally able to do three runs, and only 12 laps, in the crucial qualifying session, Barrichello will be forced to remain conservative to ensure he posts two competitive laps.

The blow is a tough one to take for Barrichello, who has failed to finish in the last seven races at Interlagos and is desperate to do well in front of his home crowd.

Published at 15:53:43 GMT