Barrichello hopes to test BAR before 2006

The Brazilian's deal with Ferrari runs until December 31 and the team have made it clear that they expect him to fulfil his obligations to the team until then. It means he cannot try out a BAR until January.

However, speaking to Brazil's Estado de Sao Paolo newspaper, Barrichello has said he has not given up completely on getting out of his contract early.

"Our first test is scheduled for January, but I hope [Ferrari boss] Jean Todt will authorize me to do a couple of test days [with BAR] in December," he said.

"I'm very curious to drive a different car, with different tires, and answer some questions for myself - like how much speed will I be able to carry into turns, and if [the BAR] is stable on fast corners and understeery in slow ones like the Ferrari."

According to the interview, Barrichello has already visited BAR's Brackley factory for a seat-fitting - and has been left impressed by his first impressions of the facilities.

"After I sat on the cockpit of the BAR last week, my fantasizing increased even more," he said. "Everybody was there and I came away impressed. What I have seen is a young, hungry team and that usually works well in F1.

"The new full-scale wind tunnel which will start operating in March really drew my attention."