Barrichello sets the pace for Ferrari

SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello fired up his challenge for a second successive British Grand Prix win on Friday with the fastest time in opening free practice.

The Brazilian, without a victory so far in a season dominated by team mate and world champion Michael Schumacher, clocked one minute 19.138 seconds, 0.076 quicker than the German on a damp and overcast morning at Silverstone.

Barrichello feels at home at the former World War Two airfield, winning from pole position with a lap record time in 2003, and is eager to repeat the feat after finishing runner-up six times in the last 10 races.

Schumacher has won nine races so far this year and is gunning for the 80th win of his career on Sunday.

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya was third fastest for Williams, with Spanish stand-in Marc Gene fourth quickest in his second race in a row as a replacement for injured Ralf Schumacher.

Briton Anthony Davidson, the BAR test driver, was fifth fastest and more than a second quicker than 10th placed compatriot and team mate Jenson Button, who is sure to be the crowd favourite on Sunday.

David Coulthard, twice a winner of his home race, was sixth quickest for McLaren.

Spaniard Fernando Alonso, in a Renault, ended the session early when he pulled over at Stowe after 40 minutes.

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