Ferrari F2001 launch: Rubens tips Williams

Speaking at the launch of Ferrari's new F2001 challenger, the 28-year-old Brazilian said that a battle between the rubber manufacturers Bridgestone and Michelin could open up the championship chase and let the Grove-based outfit, which last won the title in 1997, have an outside chance on the French squad's tyres.

"I am expecting three teams to be in the fight for the title," he said. "Williams did well with Bridgestone last year and the chances are they will be even closer this season. I think the fight for the championship will be between the tyres. I think the tyre war is very healthy at the moment, it will make F1 better. Bridgestone has done a fantastic job, and they get better all the time, but it's going to be a very close fight."

Barrichello says it is hard for Ferrari to keep on upping its game to stay ahead of the chasing pack, including the lesser lights of Formula 1.

"The problem is that when you come from a good base like we have, then it's much harder to take a step forward," he added. "For someone like Jaguar, it is easier for them to improve than for us."

The Paulista scored his first victory at Hockenheim, where he qualified 18th after being caught out by ever-changing weather conditions. He believes experiences like that have taught him to take a more relaxed and chilled-out approach to his driving.

"I had a fantastic year last season," said Rubens. "But I was tense at the start, trying to understand how I could compare with Michael Schumacher. I tried too hard to beat him, and it didn't do me much good. From Monte Carlo onwards I relaxed and that helped a lot. After that, I felt I had a really good year. I learnt a lot at Hockenheim about not creating expectations. On Saturday I thought I would be fighting for pole, but I wasn't. On Sunday, I woke up with no expectations at all, I thought I could only fight for fifth or sixth in the race. So I relaxed and just gave my best."

Barrichello thinks his second season with the Prancing Horse could lead to more success coming his way as the Italian marque looks to repeat its drivers' championship of 2000, as well as add a third consecutive constructors' title.

"I'm looking forward to this year," he said. "The fire is burning inside myself for driving and racing. It was really tough in 2000, and it's nice to have come through it. Now it's time to work and get the job done again."