04/01/2006
NEWS STORY
For reasons best known only to itself, Ferrari chose not to allow Rubens Barrichello to join his new team, Honda, early. Instead, the Brazilian was forced to 'sit out' the close season, and wait until the New Year before he could finally join his new employer.
With the first test of the new season just days away, Barrichello, took the opportunity to explain his decision to leave a team with which he has won 9 Grands Prix, for a team which has - although under new ownership - yet to score its maiden win.
"In the past I never left the Ferrari because I didn't think there was a better team out there, he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But now, I'm happy to join a new team, particularly at a time when it is looking better than the red team.
"The programme for the RA-106 (Honda's 2006 car) looks good," he added. "All that remains is to get it to the test track and get to work. I am delighted to be working with a new team, and even more so that it is Honda."
Barrichello will make his track debut with Honda at Jerez next week, when he will drive the 2005 BAR.