Barrichello Disappointed with First Half of Season

Rubens Barrichello is disappointed with the way the first part of the his 2001 season has developed with the Ferrari team.

Having joined the Italian outfit at the beginning of last season, the Brazilian driver has endured a tough start of his 2001 campaign, having scored only 24 points, and after the first eight rounds of the championship he lies a massive 34 points behind his teammate Michael Schumacher.

Barrichello admitted he is disappointed he has not scored more points, but he believes his overall performance has improved over last year.

"I am not totally satisfied with the way it has gone or with the end results as I have failed to finish in three races, which is a bit disappointing," said Barrichello. "I would have liked to have had more points than at this time last year.

"However, if you look at my qualifying performances for example, I feel I have made a step forward compared with 2000 and I am happy with my personal performance. To sum it up, I think I am driving better but the results are missing."

The 29-year old is hoping the second half of the season will allow him to make up for the lost ground on track, but Barrichello is also looking forward to the birth of his first child.

"The second half of the season also holds the expectation of a big event in my personal life with our baby due in October," added Barrichello. "It's a big thing for me and something I have dreamed of for a while. I have to say I am getting a bit impatient.

"Maybe that's because I'm a racing driver. I am sure it won't affect my driving. You have to be cool about life. What I have learned is that anything that makes me happy in life makes me faster in the car."