Barrichello Boosted but Schumacher Still Hungry

Rubens Barrichello can count on more help from Ferrari now that Michael Schumacher has secured his record-equalling fifth Formula One Championship.

But the Brazilian, who cried tears of joy at Hockenheim in 2000 when he won on the old circuit, will not be given any special treatment by his teammate in Sunday's German Grand Prix.

Schumacher, wearing a new five-starred cap to mark his equalling Juan Manuel Fangio's five titles, warned Barrichello on Thursday that he was out to celebrate by winning at home this weekend.

Barrichello is third in the championship, two points behind Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, and Ferrari's main focus now is to secure the constructor's title and ensure Barrichello finishes as runner-up.

"Certainly, as the championship is finished from the drivers' point of view, we just look to win each event," said Schumacher, who secured the title in France last Sunday in record-breaking time.

"You know the way I look at it now. Naturally I try to win rather than to lose. So that's going to be my aim, especially in Hockenheim. My only win here was in 1995 and so I would like to get number two here."

Austrian Warning

Schumacher is one win short of equalling the record, held jointly by himself and Briton Nigel Mansell, of nine victories in a single season.

"One thing we discussed with the team is that he is going to have the T-car (spare) from now on," the German said of Barrichello, who can rarely count on such a luxury as Ferrari's recognised number two.

"In the other situation, what happens on the circuit, I think statements have been made after Austria."

Ferrari were rocked by a storm of protest after they manipulated the Austrian Grand Prix in May, ordering Barrichello to let Schumacher win. Schumacher then pushed the Brazilian to the top of the podium, a gesture for which both drivers and Ferrari were jointly fined $1 million.

Team bosses defended their actions afterwards but have made clear they will not be so overt in future. Barrichello did not start last weekend's race at Magny- Cours after his car was left stranded on the grid before the formation lap, and his bad luck continued on Thursday.

The Brazilian had been due to appear with Schumacher in the scheduled news conference but was unable to get to the circuit in time after his private plane broke down in Portugal and he had to charter another.

The Brazilian, a winner at the other race in Germany this year, said in Ferrari's pre-race team notes however that Schumacher's title would have no effect on his approach to the race.

"I think that probably Michael and the team will be more relaxed," he said. "Although in Michael's case that does not mean he will be any slower."