Schumi was ready for 2nd - 22nd June 19:10pm GMT

Michael Schumacher has said he expected team-mate Rubens Barrichello to beat him in the United States Grand Prix.

Schumacher led a Ferrari one-two even though the Brazilian was the faster driver throughout the weekend.

"Rubens pushed very hard. He was quick all weekend, and because of that I wasn't really expecting the win," Schumacher said.

"I thought I would have to settle for eight points, so to get the victory gives me extra pleasure."

Barrichello qualified on pole position, but lost the lead to his team-mate at a re-start after the first safety car period.

The Brazilian's chances of victory were then effectively scuppered immediately after the accident to Ralf Schumacher.

Ferrari, in common with most other teams, decided to call both cars in for fuel and tyres.

It was the right decision, but because Barrichello was behind Schumacher on the road he had to queue behind his team-mate in the pits, delaying him in time and costing him positions on the track.

The incident dropped Barrichello to sixth, but even so he closed the gap on Schumacher until they were nose to tail as Barrichello came out from his final pit stop.

Barrichello tried to pass his team leader, racing side by side and even putting a wheel on the grass as he tried to overtake, but Schumacher held him off and went on to win.

"Our drivers were free to race one another and we just told them to be sensible and not have an accident," said Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn.

Barrichello said: "I feel a little sour, even though I had a great drive. I could have won the race.

"I am now keener than ever to win a race as soon as possible."

Barrichello insisted he still has a chance of beating Schumacher to the championship, even though the German is 18 points ahead and the team's number one driver.

"If you see that I have 62 points in the championship and last year, in the whole championship, I had 65 then I still have a chance this year," said Barrichello.