On-going engine problems were the source of much frustration for Williams driver Rubens Barrichello at the Yas Marina Circuit this evening, with the experienced Brazilian being unable to post a time in qualifying as a direct result.
With the Grove-based team not having enough time to fix technical issues that surfaced in the final practice outing of the weekend, the 39-year-old could do no more than sit and watch as his rivals took part in the grid-deciding session.
"This morning we had a brand new engine and it was looking very good," he told BBC Sport. "I saved a new engine until the late stage of the season, but we went out and had difficulties with it after two laps.
"I came back to try and review the situation but just before quali the team told me there was ‘no way’ (of taking part). It was even more frustrating just before qualifying when you’re ready to go."
As well as admitting that 2011 has by far been the most challenging year of his career so far, Barrichello stated that he is slightly unprepared for tomorrow’s race.
"It’s been a hard weekend in a way, because I can't remember doing many laps," he added. "I’ve done P2 and that’s it. I hope that the setup is okay and that I enjoy myself. But today is a disappointing day."
Barrichello is set to be joined on the back row by team-mate Pastor Maldonado, the Venezuelan being handed a 10-place grid penalty for a post-India engine change.
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  S. Vettel | Red Bull | 01:38.481 | 16 |
| 2. | L. Hamilton | McLaren | 01:38.622 | 15 |
| 3. | J. Button | McLaren | 01:38.631 | 14 |
| 4. | M. Webber | Red Bull | 01:38.858 | 19 |
| 5. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | 01:39.058 | 16 |
| 6. | F. Massa | Ferrari | 01:39.695 | 20 |
| 7. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | 01:39.773 | 17 |
| 8. | M. Schumacher | Mercedes | 01:40.662 | 18 |
| 9. | A. Sutil | Force India | 01:40.768 | 17 |
| 10. | P. di Resta | Force India | no time | 15 |
| Full results | ||||
| Rubens Barrichello | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| More Rubens Barrichello photos | |||
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