No Problems with Ferrari, Says Barrichello

Still smarting at the seven-times World Champion forcing his way past on the final lap of last weekend's Monaco event, Barrichello made clear he was no longer prepared to play a subservient role.

"This is no longer the Ferrari of the times of (Eddie) Irvine and I am no longer in the situation of 2002, when I had to give the victory to Schumacher in Austria," Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper quoted him as saying on Friday.

"In future I will have to consider Michael not as a teammate but as a driver like any other."

Barrichello, winner of nine races for Ferrari, has played the role of loyal number two since he arrived at Ferrari in 2000 as a replacement for Northern Irishman Eddie Irvine.

His role was highlighted at the Austrian Grand Prix of 2002, a race he dominated until the last corner when he slowed to let Schumacher win.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Friday the Brazilian could be set to leave Ferrari at the end of the season, despite his contract running out in 2006.

Barrichello, however, said he has no intention to leave and claimed there was no friction at Ferrari.

"That is bullshit. That is the Italian press saying too many things, that will probably be it," said Barrichello after practice for the European Grand Prix. 

"I have no problems with Ferrari because I had a problem with Michael in one corner. That is definitely not the view."