Piquet says Rubens not good enough

Barrichello qualified sixth and retired from the race on only the second lap after smashing into the back of Ralf Schumacher's Williams. Piquet believes that, despite closing the gap to Ferrari team mate Michael Schumacher in the first few races of 2001, the 28-year-old does not have what it takes to match the world champion.

"Schumacher is much quicker than Barrichello," said Piquet, "perhaps not so much in qualifying, but in the race there's no comparison. There are at least eight tenths a lap between the two in every race except when Schumacher lifts off. That determines clearly who is the number one and who is the number two.

"Schumacher is very happy to have Barrichello with him because he is not a challenge for the championship and he can charge Ferrari what he wants for his services."

Schumacher is less sure of his advantage over his team mate and before Sunday's race the German said that he thought Barrichello had raised his game since last year.

"If you look at Malaysia's qualifying," said Schumacher, "you'll see how much of a challenge he is making. It's very close. I'm still in front, but it's getting tighter."

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn is quick to defend Barrichello and despite being involved in scrapes in all three Grands Prix so far this year, Brawn is unconcerned by his driver's recent spate of accidents.

"I don't think there's a problem," said Brawn. "Maybe he's been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Michael got punted out of two races last year, and you couldn't say he was doing things any different. Sometimes that happens, because it's all very competitive."