Barrichello Refusing to Feel Down

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello insisted at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday that he will not become demoralised by his constant bad luck after yet another of his race weekends ended in disappointment.

Speaking after he retired his Ferrari prior to the start of the race at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barrichello explained that the car had developed a gear selection problem.

That left him sitting helpless on the grid as the rest of the field set off on the formation lap, but he remained philosophical and insisted his season will turn around sooner or later.

"I have to be strong in my mind and say the next one will be okay," he said. "It is so disappointing, though, because we had so much ambition on Friday and Saturday to have a good weekend."

Barrichello, who was determined to fight against his teammate this year, has now failed to finish in four of the five races this season while World Champion Schumacher has had as many wins as the Brazilian has had retirements.

"I felt so good (before the race) I said 'I am ready to win' but again, these things happen," he added. "I couldn't engage first gear and I tried everything but nothing would work."

Barrichello is now sixth in the Championship after being overtaken in the standings by McLaren-Mercedes driver David Coulthard, and has scored just six of Ferrari's 50 Constructors' Championship points.