Grapevine: Barrichello Shrugs Off Montoya Speculation

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello has shrugged off speculation that the Formula One World Champions want to replace him with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya next year.

The Brazilian driver told a news conference at Ferrari's winter retreat in the Dolomites on Wednesday that he did not feel under pressure ahead of the season's start in Australia on March 3.

"I heard this rumour and I also read that (Ferrari sporting director) Jean Todt had denied this in front of everyone. I am not worried," said Barrichello. "I live day to day. If I do all I can do today then the future is open to me. If at the end of the year I have done a good job I am sure I can speak openly with Ferrari to improve my future with the team.

"If in the future there is someone better than me then that's fine I have to accept that. I just have to do well day to day," added the Brazilian. Todt on Tuesday dismissed speculation that Ferrari had contacted Williams driver Montoya, a Grand Prix winner in his debut season last year, or his management.

"I don't feel under pressure," insisted Barrichello, who is starting his third season with Ferrari and whose contract runs to the end of the year. "What I have been doing to date has been positive and it depends on what you do today and not the past or the future. I want to give my best. I am calm and I want to stay calm and just drive the car and plan to see how it will go."

Happier

Barrichello also dismissed a suggestion that the birth three months ago of his son Eduardo could dull his form and he rejected the old adage in the sport that you lose a second in speed for each offspring.

"I don't think that Michael (Schumacher) lost two seconds in the last few years," he replied, referring to his German teammate who broke a string of records last season on his way to a fourth world title. "I think the happier you are, the better you wake up in the morning, the more willing you are to tackle life. Because I am happier I can be even faster," said Barrichello.

Nor was he concerned about the uncertainty over whether Ferrari will start the season with their new car or continue, initially at least, with last season's World Championship winning F2001.

"I am not worried. I am not sure of what we are going to be doing. We have to wait for the new car, to test it and see if it is faster and reliable. If something goes wrong we can always go back to the old car," he said.