Barrichello: Rumours Causing Trouble

Barrichello is widely expected to join the BAR team next season despite having a year of his contract with Ferrari still to run.

The rumours grew even louder during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend after former World Champion Nelson Piquet said on Brazilian television Barrichello's move to BAR was a done deal.

Barrichello admitted the speculation affected his work during the weekend.

"This story has created problems inside the team," Barrichello told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Some mechanics and engineers - with whom I have a great relationship, we are like a family - couldn't avoid asking me questions: if it's true that I'm leaving, why, what happened.

"These are things that don't help during a race. If I'll have to say something about my future, I'll do it at the right time. Now I'd prefer not hearing about it anymore.

"Why did Piquet have to come up with this story? Wouldn't it be better if he followed his son in GP2, who by the way doesn't seem to be doing too well? There's been lots of confusion in Brazil too."

Ferrari boss Jean Todt, meanwhile, said his priorities were set elsewhere.

"Barrichello said that some stories would have created tension and annoyance in the team? What annoys me is failing to win races," he said. "I also give priority to the things that make us win; I'm not interested in pressures and tensions."