Brazil's Rubens Barrichello has won the Italian Grand Prix, overcoming an unscheduled early pit stop to finish 1.3 seconds ahead of Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher in a 1-2 showing for the Italian team on its home circuit.

Jenson Button, who led the race for several laps, was third in his BAR-Honda, 10.1 seconds behind Barrichello.

It was the eighth career Formula One victory for Barrichello, who claimed his second win at Monza in three years.

Barrichello started from pole but had to pit stop after five laps to change tires and change his aerodynamic settings to complete the 53-lap race.

"I picked intermediate tires as the track was wet in the initial laps," Barrichello explained. "Then the asphalt became dry earlier than I thought ... it was a difficult decision to take about pitting early."

It rained all morning but the track began to dry during the pre-race warmup.

The Brazilian, who started from the pole, built a lead of more than 20 seconds and emerged from his third pit stop narrowly ahead of Schumacher, but had to ask his team by radio in which position he was.

"I was relieved to know I was leading ... I thought everything was lost in the middle of the race when I was overtaken by (Antonio) Pizzonia and some other drivers," Barrichello said. "It was a very exciting Grand Prix. It was magic, not boring contrary to what many people say about Formula One."

The Brazilian driver was one of only a trio of drivers who pitted three times.

Tire strategy added to the drama of a race with sudden lead changes and battles among the leaders.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP