I feel very competitive, says Rubens

Barrichello finished second at the Hungaroring after shadowing Schumacher for most of the race and keeping the world champion's main rival David Coulthard at bay in third place.

The Brazilian took his maiden GP win in Germany last year and despite four second places so far this year has not managed to make it on to the top step of the podium.

However, Barrichello has moved into third in the drivers' standings just five points behind Coulthard. He believes he is starting to find form which is enabling him to, like his illustrious team mate, have more ups than downs.

"I think it might sound a bit lacking in modesty, but I feel very competitive," Barrichello told Autosport.com. "Everyone has ups and downs, but Michael has more ups than downs. And I'm going through a part of my career where I'm beginning to have that - a little bit more ups."

Barrichello is also pleased that two consecutive years of Ferrari winning the drivers' and constructors' championships has coincided with him joining the Italian team.

"It's been a few years that the team has been fighting for something and never got it," he said. "And these last two years we got it twice, so I feel part of it. I don't think it's just coincidence."

With Schumacher's drivers' title in the bag, Barrichello can hope for some return on a season of playing second fiddle in the remaining four races. But the 29-year-old is not taking anything for granted.

"We just have to race as hard as we can and see what is there," he said. "If I'm fighting for sixth and Michael's winning the race, he's never going to be able to do something [to help me]. I'm not counting on it. I just have to do my job and concentrate."

For full Runens Barrichello Q&A, click here.