26.01.2004 THE FERRARI F2004 LAUNCH: RUBENS BARRICHELLO 'AFTER 2003 I NOW FEEL MUCH MORE LIKE A WINNER'
Rubens Barrichello is looking
forward to more wins in 2004. Speaking at the launch of the new car, the
Brazilian claimed that 2003 had been his best year so far. 'And all the work
that has gone into the F2004 means I can be optimistic about this coming year.
Of course it will be tough, but I would like to start this year the way I
finished the last one,' he added, referring to his win at Suzuka.
Asked if he would challenging his team-mate this season, Barrichello replied: 'I
think I have always been a challenge for Michael and this year, the championship
should be wide open and I will give it my best shot. As a driver you must always
believe you can do it.'
Answering concerns that there was
not much time for him to test the F2004 prior to the first race in Melbourne,
the Ferrari man seemed unconcerned. 'While Michael will be the first to drive
F2004 to check it out, I will have six days running a tyre programme with the
old car. Then, we will have two F2004 and I will have sufficient time to get
used to it. With a new car, the most important thing to sort out is the driving
position, because you get used very quickly to its characteristics on track, in
terms of how it handles and performs.'
Asked to sum up his feelings for this year, Rubens had a very succinct answer:
“After 2003, I now feel much more like a winner!'