Father Rubens ready to return.

Rubens Barrichello may have enjoyed being a family man over the Christmas break, but he admits to wanting to get back into a Formula One car as soon as possible now.

Asked at the annual Ferrari media event Wroom if he missed being behind the wheel of a racing car, the Brazilian smiled and confessed to needing to feel the adrenaline rush again.

"I have to say that, over the past few days, I have really wanted to drive again and feel the speed," he grinned, "But, at first, to be honest, I did not miss it that much.

"I have been watching [son] Eduardo grow day by day - it's been marvellous staying at home, and the last two and a half months have been fantastic. I don't agree with what Mr Ferrari said - that having a child makes a driver lose a second a lap. It certainly is not the case with Michael [Schumacher]. Indeed, it probably has the opposite effect, because the personal realisation even makes you work better."

With his first test session of 2002 looming, Barrichello also spoke positively of his aims for the new season, when he will again partner world champion Schumacher in the Ferrari team.

"I want to be calm and relaxed," were his first comments, "I am keen to find out about the new car, to see how it is going and get down to some good work. Obviously, driving in the same team as Michael is not easy, but that does not mean I lack the will to win. If I had did not have that desire, it would be time to give up. That's why I believe I can be champion, even with Michael as a team-mate."