Grapevine: Barrichello Slams Pay Cut Rumours

Rubens Barrichello has cast scorn on media reports that suggested Formula One champions Ferrari had told him to take a pay cut if he wanted to stay next year.

"I just heard it from (technical director) Ross (Brawn)," the Brazilian told a news conference at Imola on Thursday ahead of Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix.

"It's such bullshit, it's not even worth commenting on. I'm here to race and Ferrari keeps me there because they love me racing the car and vice-versa. If they don't like me being there, they are going to tell me to go home or find another team.

"But a pay cut? Because of what? What did I do wrong? In the first three races I was leading in fact when I had my problems. It's just somebody who has nothing to do just inventing things.

"I never told (anyone) my salary anyway so nobody is ever going to know anyway," said the Brazilian.

Barrichello, used to being number two to World Champion Michael Schumacher at an Italian team built around the German, has yet to score a point this season after three retirements in a row.

He started on pole in Australia but went out at the first corner after he braked and Ralf Schumacher hit the back of the Ferrari. In Malaysia, he suffered an engine problem and in Brazil a hydraulics failure.

The Brazilian's contract with Ferrari runs out at the end of the season, while Schumacher's lasts two more years, and there has already been plenty of speculation about who might replace Barrichello. Sauber's Brazilian debutant Felipe Massa, still only 20, is one driver who has been mentioned in the media.

Another revived rumour, knocked down by Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt on Thursday, has linked Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya with a move from Williams as Schumacher's eventual replacement. Schumacher, chasing his fifth world title this year and appearing alongside Barrichello at the news conference, made clear that he had no plans to retire.

Montoya, who has clashed with Schumacher at the last two races, said with a shrug that he might be interested in Ferrari one day but was content where he was at present.

"I'm happy at the moment, you've got to take things year by year," declared the Colombian.