Barrichello move good for ambitious Irvine

Ferrari on Saturday confirmed Rubens Barrichello has signed a two-year contract with the Maranello outfit to become the new partner to Michael Schumacher. Barrichello becomes the first Brazilian to join the famous Italian marque, with his move to Ferrari on the strict understanding he will not be understudy to Schumacher.

The 27-year-old, who will leave Stewart-Ford at the end of the current season, is expected to share equal billing with the two-time world champion.

Barrichello stated earlier this week he would not be number two to Schumacher, although it is understood from sources at Stewart and Ferrari that this is likely to be the case.

Current Ferrari number two Eddie Irvine is believed to be moving in the opposite direction, with an announcement expected shortly after next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Stewart-Ford boss Jackie Stewart is due to reveal Irvine will become the lead driver, with Johnny Herbert retaining his seat within a team who look set to be racing in the Jaguar livery next year.

Stewart sold his operation to Ford for £100 million earlier this season, with the American motor giants having earlier bought out the traditional British car manufacturers.

For 33-year-old Ulsterman Irvine it is the role he has long craved, having spent the last four years in Schumacher's shadow at Ferrari, where he has had to serve as the support act.

Irvine, however, is currently in the title hunt going into the final four Formula One grands prix of the season in Italy, the European at the Nurburgring, Malaysia and Japan.

Should he become world champion - currently trailing Mika Hakkinen by just one point - the switch could prove an embarrassment for Ferrari bosses, who have spent the last two decades in the title wilderness.

Not since Jody Scheckter in 1979 have Ferrari had a drivers' world champion. Barrichello, meanwhile, who is believed to have signed a £6 million-per-year deal, will start testing with Ferrari from December 1.