Barrichello Determined to Delay Schumacher's Title

Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello is determined to delay teammate Michael Schumacher's seventh world title at the Belgian Grand Prix next week.

Schumacher, who last Sunday scored his 12th win in 13 races, leads the Championship by 38 points over his Brazilian teammate with five races remaining. The German driver needs to score two more points than Barrichello at Spa to clinch his seventh crown at his favourite circuit.

But Barrichello, who is yet to win this season after having finished second seven times, wants to prolong Schumacher's wait with victory in Belgium.

"Thirty eight points is a huge advantage for Michael. But while the math gives me a chance I'll keep on fighting," Barrichello told Gazzetta dello Sport. "What's important is winning: this season I still have five opportunities. I'm still racing and I'm going to Spa to get a victory.

"And I'd be very happy if I could win the Brazilian GP."

Ferrari secured their sixth consecutive Constructors' Championship in Hungary last Sunday, the fifth since Barrichello joined the team. The Brazilian said he has enjoyed sharing the team's success despite not having matched Schumacher's achievements.

"I feel luckier than him because Schumacher lived some very hard times at Ferrari," he added. "On the other hand, since coming to the Scuderia, I've always won the Constructors' Championship.

"The celebration for the Championship confirms that we are a close family, a team able to build the best car and able to carry on improving it."