After testing at Mugello last week, Rubens Barrichello is all set for this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix, an important “home” event for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro. Looking back at the previous round in Brazil, Barrichello felt that the change to the finishing order, established last week in Paris, was of little consequence. “Given that that there is still long way to go this season, the different points allocation is not important,” said the Brazilian. “But, in a way, I feel sorry for Giancarlo (Fisichella.) “As he was first on the track, it’s a shame he could not stand on top of the podium in Sao Paulo. I am sure he will regret that. But at least he has taken his first grand prix win. Whether that will have any affect on him and his driving will be down to his mind management. I know it took me seven years to take my first F1 victory and it was a weight off my shoulders.”

The Scuderia announced a few days ago that Barrichello and his team-mate Michael Schumacher will race the F2002 car in Imola, as they did for the first three races of the year. “We had a lot of wet weather in testing last week and that prevented us from getting through all the work we wanted to achieve on the new car,” he explained. “The team therefore felt it was wise for us to ensure we can finish and score points, even though we know the car is competitive and we will be trying to win. It’s a security factor which I agree with. As for the new car, it really is superb and I am looking forward to racing it as soon as possible.”

As the nearest F1 venue to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, this is naturally an important weekend for the team. “I like Imola,” stated the Brazilian. “I have put all the bad things connected with it behind me now. It is a good racing track, where it is quite difficult to set-up the car. I’ve come to close to winning there in the past and hopefully I will have a good chance this time. Normally, this should be the coolest race of the year so far, so there should be no surprises on the tyre front.”

The San Marino Grand Prix marks the start of the European part of the season. “That does not make any difference to me,” maintained the Ferrari man. “I enjoy the first three races of the year. Of course, we have better facilities in terms of the motorhomes and the trucks, but as a driver it makes little difference. The only change is, that after three races, we have a better idea of what to expect from the opposition.”