Ferrari technical director and strategic wiz, Ross Brawn has given Brazilian Rubens Barrichello a boost by saying he is more than just a number two, and a 'dogs-body' to team leader Michael Schumacher.

Speaking to British newspaper, The Independent, Brawn revealed that the Brazilian is a 'valued member of the team', and that he wasn't re-signed for another two years until the end of 2006 just so Michael Schumacher could have an accommodating team-mate.

Brawn revealed that Barrichello had played a vital role last season, in ensuring the team could win both the drivers' and constructors' championships, noting that the reduced practice time made his input even more valuable.

"Rubens is always underrated," commented Brawn, "but he is always a valued member of the team.

"Many times Michael has adopted Rubens' set-up. The short practice before qualifying in 2003 obliged us sometimes to have the drivers following different paths, and then we chose the best one.

"Rubens' contribution was even more important in 2003 and we have always been totally confident in everything that he's done."