Fiorano, Italy. Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher announced today that as a sign of good will he has decided to let teammate Ruben Barrichello drive the new Ferrari F2003GA in the next Grand Prix in Malaysia.
"I had some criticism last year when I was the first driver to drive the new Ferrari after having exclusively tested it as well," said Schumacher. "So to even things out Rubens will use the new car in Malaysia while I'll use the reliable F2002."
Ross Brawn, Ferrari's technical director, said that Barrichello had been extremely pleased when told about Schumacher's decision.
"He ran like a little puppy towards the sandtrap where the car was buried and started digging it out with the SchumiShoveltm Michael gave him for his birthday. It is also great, as the car needs some testing and Luca Badoer refuses to drive the car anymore."
The interview was interrupted by a radio crackle in the Ferrari pit, as Barrichello whizzed by in the new car:
"Mr. Brawn! The car scares me."
...And then 10 seconds later:
"Mr. Brawn, Mr. Brawn! I think I heard something snap in the back of the car."
"Just normal issues in testing. And talking of testing, let's test the Radio ban," said Brawn and unplugged his headset.
"Yes, we here at Ferrari hope that Rubens will be pleased with the new car in Sepang, and if not we can always replace it with a Fiat."