Valencia, Aug 24 (DPA) Rubens Barrichello has emerged as the biggest threat to teammate Jenson Button in an all-Brawn duel following his victory in the European Grand Prix in Valencia Sunday.

Barrichello was hailed as 'the king of Valencia' by Italy's La Repubblica Monday, while the victory by the Brazilian was dubbed 'the triumph of the pensioner' by Il Giornale.

The 37-year-old enjoyed his first Formula One GP win for almost five years - dedicating it to injured compatriot Felipe Massa - to move him second in the standings behind British teammate Button.

With six races remaining, only 18 points separate the Brawn drivers, while Red Bull's title hopes took a knock after Mark Webber finished out of the points in ninth and Sebastian Vettel retired with engine trouble.

Button is on 72 points to Barrichello's 54, with Webber on 51.5 and Vettel on 47.

The teams have little time to take stock but much to ponder ahead of the Belgium GP this weekend.