Rubens says air is cleared over team orders

The Brazilian was speaking in Monaco on his 29th birthday, a day after the team handed him "the best possible present" by extending his contract to the end of 2002.

And he says he has resolved his disagreement with boss Jean Todt over the team's tactics in making him surrender second place to the world champion.

"I am calm, especially as we have cleared everything up after the race in Zeltweg," said Barrichello.

"If I had been first and Michael second, the team would not have asked me to move over, I am sure of that. Now, I am even more motivated than in the past."

And he also killed off rumours that he has agreed to play second fiddle to his team mate for the remainder of his contract.

"I don't have to think in terms of my career starting when Michael's ends," he added. "I have already made a step forward this year, in terms of driving, in defining the set up, in the way of speaking with the mechanics and engineers.

"With or without Michael, the will to win is the same. I am only thinking about Ferrari and I like working for this team, the most famous one in the world.

"We have a great chassis, a great engine and a great team and on top of that, I have Michael as a team mate.

"One should always look on the positive side. Two years ago, when I signed my first contract with Ferrari I knew I was on the threshold of a great challenge. Now I see no problem in the fact he has extended his contract to the end of 2004."