Rubens rubbishes pay cut stories

Speaking at Imola, Barrichello said: "In fact, I've just heard it from Ross (Brawn) that the stories made it into the British press but it's such bullshit that it's not even worthy of comment!

"I'm here to race and if Ferrari keeps me it's because they like me. Either they say that I should go home or they don't. Why should there be a pay cut involved? I've had some problems this season but twice I've been leading when they happened."

Barrichello will have his first race in the new Ferrari F2002 at Imola this weekend and says he goes into the race feeling confident.

"I feel good about the new car," he said. "It ran well at the Mugello test, it's better than the old car and it's good to be in it. How much better than the old car it is, we don't know, but it is better."

As far as his own luck is concerned, Barrichello said: "It has to change soon. It's like golf. You play the first nine holes and you have to think that the back nine will be better. I'm not too concerned about the bad luck though. There's nothing to be gained by worrying about it or being too conservative."