Barrichello Aims to Give Schumacher a Scare

Ferrari's Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello is talking tough, saying he aims to take the world title off his German teammate Michael Schumacher this season.

Barrichello raised eyebrows on Wednesday during speeches to sponsors, staff and media at the unveiling of Ferrari's new F2002 car, when he broke with protocol and said only: "I will give and do all to bring home both Championships" before taking his seat.

Other speakers, including Schumacher, made lengthy scripted speeches praising the team spirit and thanking the support of the technical staff and sponsors. At a news conference after the presentation, Barrichello was asked to expand on his aims for the upcoming campaign, which will be his third in Ferrari colours.

Consistent Results

"I expect to be a stone in Michael's shoe," said the Brazilian who finished third in last year's driver's Championship. Barrichello said he believes that while he is still a long way off gaining the consistent results of the German, he is not much slower than his teammate.

"I am proud to be driving alongside him. I am not far away in terms of speed. In terms of results yes but we have had completely different careers altogether. But I know that if I can beat the guy then I am doing a really good job," said the Brazilian.

Barrichello said there is no question that he remains highly motivated and has the desire to become a real world title contender.

"Maybe for some people it is very difficult for them to believe what I say. But I keep on saying the day that I wake up not thinking that I can win the race is the day that I give up - the time to stop. Every year I get more motivated...it's going to start all over again, in Brazil they'll say he's motivated and he's going to win and the pressure will rise again and everything will start all over again.

"But I don't care any more what people will say or have said. For me it is just be yourself, drive the car doing the best I can and hoping for better results," said Barrichello.

But the Brazilian also reflected on the negative memories he had of last season, especially when he was asked to let Schumacher through into second place early in the season at Austria.

"Last year I went through a bad period, to reach the top of the mountain and come back again. Austria was a tough test for my mind - it was so early in the season to be asked to let Michael go. But I survived it okay and I am prepared for anything this season.

However, for all the upbeat talk of victory and taking on Schumacher, Barrichello was also realistic enough to know that at some stage in the season he could again be given instructions to give way to his team mate and said he would accept such decisions.

"If I have to yes. If there is a situation where the team thinks it is the case then yes. I have been promised that if I had been fighting for first position (in Austria) they would never have done it," said Barrichello.