Barrichello Ferrari Bound?

Rubens Barrichello is expected to swap seats with Eddie Irvine, and line up with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari next season.


The Brazilian is thought to have broken off negotiations to stay with Stewart in 2000, confirming rumours that he was the favourite to replace Stewart-bound Irvine next year. It is understood that Barrichello signed a letter of intent to join the Scuderia at some point during the British GP weekend.


Although recent speculation has placed Schumacher's replacement Mika Salo in the frame to partner the German at Maranello next season, Barrichello is expected to be confirmed within a matter of weeks. This has been backed up a change of tack from Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, who no longer insists that he expects - and wants - Irvine to stay with the team, and has made no significant remarks about Salo staying beyond his current temporary contract.


Many F1 insiders believe that Barrichello will not have the chance to shine under Schumacher's influence at Ferrari, despite being touted as one of the fastest drivers of the current school. The Brazilian lost confidence after Irvine arrived at Jordan and began to out-perform him, and is known to be fragile emotionally. He is also known to have a significantly different set-up preference to Schumacher - something on which the German and Irvine were able to agree.