Rubens Barrichello looked fit and tanned when he arrived in Melbourne and, like his team-mate, was looking forward to tackling the first grand prix under new regulations. 'I think it will bring more of a show to F1 and it would be nice to think it will attract more viewers and spectators to watch the sport we love,' said the Brazilian. 'But I am not so sure about not being allowed to add fuel after qualifying. It means that qualifying is no longer the most important part of the weekend. Of course, I enjoy racing, but I used to get a special satisfaction out of going to the limit in qualifying.'

Asked if he thought the new rules would change the pecking order through the field, Barrichello tipped two teams to look out for. 'From what I have seen from winter testing, Toyota and BAR seem to have done a good job,' he suggested. 'So, it is possible that with the new rules, they might be able to do something special.'

With Schumacher sitting alongside him, Rubens was asked if he could beat his team-mate this year and take the title. 'I am not just trying to beat Michael,' he said. 'I want to finish ahead of everyone, not just him. I have to admit that I think this year should be my best chance.'