Barrichello feels no pressure

The Brazilian was fourth in the warm-up for the Brazilian Grand Prix, as teammate Michael Schumacher split the two McLarens with Mika Hakkinen still at the head of the field.

Tens of thousands of Brazilians have paid more than a month's salary to see their hero race and the organisers are expecting a capacity crowd nearing 70,000, despite spitting rain and overcast skies.

"When people ask me if I feel pressure racing in front of my home crowd I can honestly say that it is less than ever before," he said.

"In fact it helps to have everyone here cheering for me.

"When I wave to someone in the crowd I am not waving to fans I am waving to friends. I know many of them, I was born here close to the track and raced here all my life.

"I am only trying to do what I have always done but at least now I have a competitive car. That makes things more equal for me. I am not competing with better cars.

"All I am doing now is fighting myself and the reliability of the car."

Barrichello led last year's race in a Stewart before spinning.

Asked if he would help Barrichello win, Schumacher replied: "He doesn't need my help he is good enough to do it on his own."