Barrichello Says the Pressure is on Ferrari

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello says that the pressure is on World Champions Ferrari to end their win-less start to the 2003 season as they head into this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

Barrichello claimed Ferrari's only podium of the season when finishing second in Malaysia, while teammate and World Champion Michael Schumacher has endured his worst start to a Formula One season since he made his debut in 1991.

Ferrari claimed a one-two finish at Imola last year in front of the home 'tifosi', but Barrichello accepts the pressure is on this weekend to end their run without a win.

"We did very well here last year, but there is more pressure on this year because people think we're in a bit of a crisis," Barrichello said. "I don't think we are, I believe we could have won the three races so far this season.

"But because we haven't won a race this year it is going to be a bit more difficult at Imola."

His teammate Schumacher, who crashed out of the Brazilian Grand Prix two weeks ago - his first retirement in almost two years - believes Ferrari have made the right decision not to run with their new car at Imola.

Ferrari decided against a planned introduction of the F2003-GA and will instead continue with last year's title-winning car and the German claims the decision is correct.

"There was a question mark over the car and we could only find out by running the old and the new cars side-by-side," Schumacher said. "The new car is not 100 per cent yet so it is right not to race it."