Barrichello Gets Equal Rights.

Rubens Barrichello will be able to race Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher next year - and aims to finally replace Ayrton Senna in Brazilian hearts.


The Stewart driver, whose move to Maranello was confirmed over the weekend, claims that his contract contains no clause for him to support Schumacher in 2000, and it is this which he feels will allow him to assume Senna's mantle next season.


"It is clear from what has been written [in my contract] that I will not hold an inferior position in the team to my partner," he told the media after signing, "Everything has been put at my disposal - the same as Schumacher. Everything now depends on me, and me alone. If I am twenty seconds ahead of Michael, it isn't in the interests of the team that I slow down.


"Most drivers dream about driving for Ferrari, with its long tradition in Formula One," Barrichello continued, "They are the most prestigious and well-known team in the sport. They have the best cars, and there is no doubt that, when I drive for them next season, I'll be in one of those cars, challenging for the title.


"I struggled for a while before I moved to Stewart and, after the death of Ayrton in 1994, there was a lot of pressure on my shoulders. I was thrust into the position of number one driver in my country, and I found it hard to cope. Now I hope I can finally live up to that reputation."