Barrichello optimistic for Monza

On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix event, Rubens Barrichello met the press at Thursday's FIA press conference and spoke of his hopes for the Monza weekend.

"Last year we tested on this track and tried various types of tyre. Everything went well and we are reasonably optimistic," said the Brazilian. "On this track, Williams has always gone well, but we have a great car and so we have every chance of having a good race. To win here at Monza would be magnificent because of all our fans here."

Rubens also spoke about the track's characteristics. "This circuit is all about compromise," he reckoned. "You need to be quick down the straights, but you also need good brakes and excellent traction. You also have to be very careful about how you tackle the kerbs, because they are very high, especially in the second chicane and at the Roggia turn. Actually, I think the kerbs are very useful because before, it was very easy to cut the chicane, but you did not really gain much."

Does Rubens feel under greater pressure here than at other events on the calendar? "For sure the gaps between the various teams will be smaller, both because of the nature of the track and because of Micheilin who are doing a good job," said the Brazilian. "But we have a fantastic car and now I feel a lot less pressure than I have done."

What has made the F2002 so reliable? "We have two test drivers and that means we can rack up a lot of kilometres in testing. On top of that, we have fantastic engineers and technicians and all the lads in the team work together, giving their very best," said Rubens. "It's true that I had a few problems at the start of the season, but we tackled them and solved them. It shows the strength of our team."

Barrichello was also asked if he could explain why ticket sales are 20% down on last year. Was it down to Ferrari's dominance of the sport this season? "I think the problem is of a more general natures because the trend has been there since the start. I think it is more to do with the fact there is less overtaking. I really like circuit like Budapest and Monaco, but the fans are not so keen on them."

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