Barrichello Warns Massa of F1 Pressures

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has warned compatriot Felipe Massa about the pressures he will face when he makes his Formula One debut next season.

20-year old Massa will replace Finn Kimi Raikkonen alongside Nick Heidfeld at the Sauber team in 2002 after clinching the European F3000 title this season and impressing during testing.

But despite his impressive performances at the wheel of the Ferrari-powered C20 at the end of 2001, Massa could have a hard time in his first year in Formula One, according to Ferrari driver Barrichello.

"Be careful of the pressures," Barrichello told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's like when I started: first we were all breathing on Senna's neck, then hopes and pressures were transferred onto me. Now it will happen to Felipe, he's already dubbed 'the new Senna', and this may cause him problems.

"I've heard many things on Massa, things you'd get impressed about. In any case, we should wait and see what his Sauber will be like. This year's car was good, but we don't yet know what the 2002 car will be like."

The Swiss Sauber team enjoyed their best Formula One season since they made their debut in 1993, finishing in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.