Brazil curse strikes again for Barrichello

By Alan Baldwin

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Rubens Barrichello was gracious in defeat on Sunday after his Brazilian Grand Prix jinx returned to shatter his hopes of winning his home race and staying in the Formula One title chase.

Starting on pole position for the third time at a circuit that was within earshot of his boyhood home, the 37-year-old lost out to Red Bull's race winner Mark Webber at the first pit stops and then suffered a late puncture.

He crossed the line in eighth place, with Brawn team mate Jenson Button finishing fifth to take the title with a race to spare.

In 2003, with Ferrari, Barrichello had run out of fuel while leading from pole for Ferrari and in 2004 he again started in the top slot and came home third. In 17 years, he has finished just six times at Interlagos.

"It was that Brazilian curse again, wasn't it," said team boss Ross Brawn.

With the fans still chanting 'Rubinho, Rubinho" long after the end of the race, Barrichello struggled to contain his emotions and put a brave face on the afternoon.

"Today we didn't have the performance to win the race," he told reporters. "But I am still happy, I would have finished third and I was happy to fight Lewis (Hamilton). It was a great fight.

"The big guy knows how much I fight for this so its been frustrating not to be able to win but I still consider myself a big winner and a big loser.