Jackie Warns Rubens Against Ferrari Move.

Jackie Stewart has said that going to Ferrari would be bad for Rubens Barrichello's career, and claimed that he could be a winner at Stewart next season.


The triple champion turned team boss restated the point that there can only be one driver at Ferrari in the present era, such is Michael Schumacher's influence within the team. Because of this, Stewart feels that his protege would not be allowed to progress and become a race-winner.


"It's not in his best interests to go to Ferrari," Stewart said bluntly, "I can understand Rubens looking towards a winning team for his short-term needs, but I think he will be vulnerable there because he's a sensitive person.


"He could look at it objectively, stay for one year, swallow humble pie and finish second third or fourth, depending on where Michael is - because, whatever is suggested, that is what is going to happen. He might give himself a more positive stance in the marketplace by showing he is almost as good as Schumacher, then go elsewhere, or, if Michael slips on a banana skin and chooses to retire, then he has a number one seat. But, there's only one driver at Ferrari."


Stewart is convinced that the Brazilian will get a chance to taste victory if he stays where he is next year, but has hinted at whom he will chase as a replacement should he leave.


"If Rubens goes, we've got to find somebody at least as good. Jarno Trulli was - and is - a possibility, but the jury's still out there. Johnny Herbert, obviously, we have under contract - and we'd love him to come together. [Giancarlo] Fisichella looks like he's tied up or, if he's not, he's got a price on his head far in excess of any value.


"Then, there are people like Dario Franchitti, Alex Wurz and, don't forget, Mika Salo. And, then, we've got our test driver Luciano Burti, who looks very good. There are a lot of names about - but nobody who is profoundly sensational."


The one name Stewart omitted to mention was that most likely to feature in his team next year. Eddie Irvine is already linked to a contract with the soon to be renamed Jaguar team.