Schumacher beats Rubens in kart race

The German driver won the first public meeting of the Ferrari drivers at the charity event at the Koln Arena.

Barrichello has joined the Italian team from Stewart, replacing 1999 world championship runner-up Eddie Irvine.

The Brazilian drove a Ferrari for the first time at Fiorano, last week.

Schumacher missed the three-day test in order to regain full fitness for 2000, following his crash at the British Grand Prix.

The double world champion played down his kart victory.

Speaking to his official website, he said, 'I know that everyone has been waiting for this.

'However, you can't make a proper judgement about who's the fastest based on this event.

'Maybe my cart was a little bit faster, or maybe I just had a better day than Rubens.

'Today, we finished first and second. When we achieve the same results next season too, we will be satisfied.

'When I will finish the Championship in the same way I will be happy too.'