Barrichello expects to be competitive

Rubens Barrichello is convinced he has swapped Ferrari for a genuine title rival in Honda.

The Brazilian left Ferrari after six seasons, stepping out of Michael Schumacher’s shadow in a bid to finally achieve his ambition of winning the world championship.

Barrichello has joined Honda, formerly known as BAR, and winter-testing performances suggest he could be in with a real chance of victory when the new season starts in Bahrain this weekend.

“I feel very much at home with the team now and I can’t wait for the first race of the new season, where I believe we will be very competitive,” he said.

After a disappointing 2005 campaign, Honda have so far impressed their new star.

Barrichello added: “It is really exciting for me to be racing for the very first time as a Honda driver.”