Barrichello aims for level playing field

Speaking at Ferrari's annual retreat at the Madonna Di Campiglio skiing resort, he pointed to the last four races of the season as evidence that he can win races with the right level of support.

"I have proved in the last four races of the championship, when the attention was on me, that I was able to deal with it, and if it wasn't for a little lack of fortune I would have won two of the last four races," said Barrichello. "I know I will have at least 30-35 percent of the attention and it is growing.

"There will be a time when if I keep on working I think we will get to 50-50 and then that is the right time for me to attack more or to have more results. Right now I feel that I am in a much better shape inside Ferrari than I was two years ago. I like the way things are going. We have the same cars and it is just a question of keeping my determination like I always have," he added.

Barrichello admitted, however, that playing second fiddle to Schumacher is the hardest job on the Grand Prix grid. He is adamant, though, that he can win the world title even with the German in the team.

"To drive in the team with Michael is very difficult because everything is prepared for him to win more than it is prepared for me to win," he said. "But the first time I wake up thinking that I can't win anymore that is the time I will stop. Yes, I think I can be world champion, [racing] with Michael."