Schu shrugs off Barrichello bitterness

Dec.2 (GMM) Michael Schumacher has shrugged off the recent outspoken form of his former Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello.

The first signs of 2008 Honda driver Barrichello's renewed acrimony arose on the night of the season finale in Brazil, when the 36-year-old sang a derogatory song about the German at a nightclub.

Barrichello then continued his tirade by talking about the team orders saga of Austria 2002, saying Ferrari threatened him with the sack and accusing Schumacher of being directly involved.

At the weekend, they went head to head at Felipe Massa's charity kart event in southern Brazil, and after a slight tangle, Barrichello said: "It seemed like Schumacher thought he was in a war.

"Maybe he forgot that he is in Brazil now."

Schumacher has now responded in the pages of the major German newspaper Bild.

"He (Barrichello) is like that. He complains whether he is the winner or the loser," the seven time world champion said.

Barrichello defended his recent outspokenness about Schumacher.

"I have nothing personal against him," he insisted. "He is an exceptional driver. What I have said has been the truth.

"I just wanted to say that I could have achieved something more with Ferrari for Brazil in different circumstances."

Ferrari's press office declined to comment.