Barrichello Eager to Drive F2002 at Imola

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello is looking forward to making his racing debut at the wheel of Ferrari's F2002 chassis at this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.

Barrichello has used last year's F2001 in the opening three races of the season and has been forced to retire from all events, while teammate Michael Schumacher has scored 24 points. But the Brazilian is eager to get his season back on track by producing a flawless performance in his debut in the new car at Imola this weekend.

"We have seen the difference the new car makes on the stopwatch in Barcelona and Mugello and now I am looking forward to experiencing the difference in Imola, after testing there in the old car, just before going to Australia," said Barrichello.

"I have heard that there is a strong chance of rain this weekend and I have to admit I have never driven the F2002 in the wet. But Michael had one day in Mugello in the rain and the car seems to behave in a similar way to the old one. Anyway, the rain has never bothered me."

Barrichello also claimed that the F2002 can produce more speed that last year's car and also hailed the part tyre suppliers Bridgestone have played in the progress Ferrari have made.

"It's a more complete car and in every detail it is just that much better than the F2001," said Barrichello. "Driving the car, it does not actually feel that much different to the older one. For example, it is no easier to drive. But push it as hard as the old one and you go quicker and the lap times come down.

"To sum it up, basically for the same effort you get more speed. Some of the progress we have made with the new car is down to our close collaboration with Bridgestone. Brazil proved that we had done a good job. No one was expecting a Bridgestone win in the heat of Interlagos, but the car and the tyre proved to be the right combination."