Barrichello

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has praised his Ferrari team for trying to develop the new F2002 car despite their failure to have it ready for him and world champion Michael Schumacher for the start of the season.

The Italian team gambled by concentrating on the development of their revolutionary car this winter but have been forced to abandon plans to race it in Melbourne on March 3.

"I think the team was right," said Barrichello. "I think this is a good risk and the possibility to develop it using our test drivers will make it reliable.

"Sometimes if you win two championships and don't change the car much because it is a winning car, then someone else will change and you will lose. A good team is always prepared to take risks."

Barrichello has yet to drive the new car, while Schumacher has shown its potential by driving it to two new track records at Ferrari's Fiorano test track.

But despite the four-time world champion's impressive results in preseason testing, Barrichello is still determined to shun his tag as Ferrari's second man when he finally drives the F2002.

"On his car he has number one and on mine I have number two," stated Barrichello. "That doesn't bother me.

"I want to win more races because one race is not enough and although Michael is still the benchmark I am feeling good and driving well.

"I am as excited as ever. I feel very fresh and I think I am as fit as I have ever been.

"I have been training a lot and after the break I was surprised how quickly I got back into it. It only took me a lap."

Barrichello has been forced to play second best since he replaced Schumacher's former teammate Eddie Irvine at Ferrari in 2000.

Barrichello was furious last year when the team forced him to pull over and concede second place to Schumacher in the Austrian Grand Prix.

He finished third in the championship last year, behind Briton David Coulthard, and this year the fight for second place is expected to be even tougher.