Barrichello happier than ever at Brawn

Rubens Barrichello says he is happier at Brawn GP than even when he was winning races at Ferrari

The Brazilian thinks he is on the verge of a world championship challenge with the new Brawn team, and says that the fact he has a real shot at the title is more satisfying than it ever was at his old team - where he had to give way to Michael Schumacher.

"It is better," Barrichello told AUTOSPORT. "It is much better, because I know I don't have to divide anything with anyone. Now it is a fair thing with a competitive car."

Brawn GP led the way during the two pre-season tests it took part in earlier this month, and the team has been installed as favourites for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, as well as serious title challengers.

When asked if he shared people's optimism about the potential of the car, Barrichello said: "Yes, I believe so. From what I have seen, the car is super competitive and we just need to see how the year develops.

"For sure we are with a small budget, no sponsors just yet, so it is going to be a tough year on that side. But having said that, I think F1 is more open to the small teams - no testing and other limits. So that is going to be in our favour, and I do believe that this car is super competitive."

The pace of the Brawn car also provides a late boost to Barrichello's career as he extends his record as the most experience F1 driver in history.

"Last year, if it was my last one and if it was the end, it would be bad," he explained. "I had a super Silverstone grand prix, but it wasn't what I am here for. I wanted more. So, now I have that.

"It is almost like getting everything I have asked for. Get out of Ferrari, and have a nice team working for me and my teammate. At Ferrari everything was for Michael.

"So when I got to Honda, it was for me and my teammate but I never had the car or equipment to do it. And now I do have it. And, I am sure it is going to be a healthy fight between myself and Jenson [Button].

"We both want to win, but the most important thing is to turn the momentum that is going on, all the talk about it, into a proper championship contender."