18.06.2004 'Have you ever seen any of Michael’s team-mates try and pass him? I race for myself, I race for Ferrari & I race to enjoy myself ', Rubens Barrichello in Indianapolis ahead of the US GP

Just four days after facing the media having come second in Montreal, Rubens Barrichello was in front of the microphones again, this time in Indianapolis in the official FIA press conference.

Alongside was the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Technical Director, Ross Brawn. 'Ever since the FIA demanded a change of approach, we have adopted an open situation about letting our drivers race each other,” said the Englishman as the first question centred on Barrichello's attempts to pass Schumacher in the Canadian Grand Prix.

'They can do what is sensible as long as they don’t knock one another off. I admit I was a bit concerned, but Michael and Rubens have a very good relationship and will not overstep the mark. One day they might make a mistake, but they will not deliberately push one another off. Our motto is 'go fast, don’t crash!'

Barrichello repeated his explanation that, given their different fuel loads, he knew he had to pass his team-mate before refuelling to have a chance of winning. 'It was a bit frustrating, but being Michael’s team-mate is not frustrating,' maintained Rubens. 'Have you ever seen any of Michael’s team-mates try and pass him?' he asked. 'I am the first and I can be proud of that. I race for myself, I race for Ferrari and I race to enjoy myself and Canada was good racing. I am proud to be racing in the same team, against the best and I am getting better all the time. But I still have to get out there on the track and do it.'

In three races times, at the British GP, the qualifying format changes once again, with all drivers out on track at the same time, with their times aggregated from the two sessions. 'It is difficult to find the perfect solution for everyone,' said Brawn. 'The change was proposed by the sport’s promoter, Bernie Ecclestone and it is our job to help the promoter put on the best possible show.

'I think it is great that we will go back to having the spectacle of all the cars on track together, with the associated arguments about yellow flags and being held up, but that is part of the fun of qualifying. It means we can run as light as possible in qualifying again and chose how much fuel to carry for the start of the race.' 'I am looking forward to it,' added Barrichello. 'But I am not yet so sure about the idea of using the aggregate times of both sessions.'

With Schumacher having won all but one race this season, Brawn was asked the secret of the German’s continued success. 'As I am a technical man, I like to think it’s the car! But the truth is it is a combination of factors and indeed, Rubens contributes to Michael’s success with all the work he contributes in testing and at the races. That is why Michael is so keen to keep Rubens in the team. Michael is as enthusiastic as ever, which is strange after such a long time. It was interesting to see how angry he was in Monaco and how frustrated. He is still hungry, but in a nice way.'

Finally, Ross Brawn was asked about rumours that he would be replacing Jean Todt as head of the Gestione Sportiva. 'It’s natural that these rumours arise now that Jean is in charge of the Ferrari road cars as well, but he will still be maintaining his responsibility with the race team. However, he will be busier now, therefore I and others within the team will be taking on additional responsibilities.

'I am pleased Jean is staying where he is as I don’t want to work for anyone else.' While Brawn was talking, his mobile phone rang and he handed it to Rubens. Much to the amusement of the assembled media, the caller turned out to be the team’s Chief Designer, Rory Byrne: 'I’m very well thank you, how are you Rory,” replied the Brazilian. “Ross is a bit busy, he’ll call you back!'