Barrichello targets world championship
author: Hendrik Verwoerd
Rubens Barrichello is confident of being able to challenge Michael Schumacher for the world title this season.
The Brazilian was widely regarded as having his best ever season in Formula 1 in 2002 after taking four victories and pushing Ferrari teammate Schumacher hard in qualifying and the races.
He appeared to be mentally stronger than in previous years and recovered well from the disappointment of being forced to move over for Schumacher at the Austrian Grand Prix. The 30-year-old believes that it was only his poor start to the season that stopped him mounting a challenge for the world title.
Barrichello feels that as long as 2003 starts in a better fashion he will be able to fight Schumacher on equal terms.
"Last year I felt that I was driving as well if not better than I ever did since I'm in F1," said Barrichello. "But I was unlucky at the start of the season. Today, I'm a bit older, a bit happier and a bit quicker! I hope to have a better start of the season so as to fight for the title even though some say it's impossible when your team-mate is Michael Schumacher."
Barrichello feels that there is little to choose between himself and Schumacher now in terms of speed. However, despite the German turning 34 in January, Barrichello sees no signs of Schumacher slowing down.
"If you look at the latest tests for example, you'll see there isn't much of a difference between the two of us. I've made huge strides since I joined Ferrari, thanks to Michael. But I'm not here to copy him. To each their own problems and their way of fixing them. Still, try as I might, I haven't seen any signs pointing to Michael being slower than last year."
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