OCTOBER 19, 2000

Barrichello wants third in the championship

BRAZILIAN Rubens Barrichello has set his sights on claiming third place in the drivers' championship this year - even if though he needs luck on his side to achieve it in the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Ferrari driver, currently fourth, trails McLaren rival David Coulthard by nine points but admitted that he is dreaming of a victory that could hand him third place in the title race.

Barrichello has just one race win to his name, the emotional victory in Germany this year when he started from 18th on the grid, but he is looking to double his tally and overhaul Scot Coulthard.

"I'm now nine points behind Coulthard," Barrichello said. "To finish third in the championship would be the greatest thing. "I need to win with him not finishing in the top six, which is quite difficult, but the fight is still open.

"But what happens, I think I can sleep quite well. I've done quite well in my first year to have 58 points up to now and who knows, maybe in Malaysia I can score some more.

"Michael can help me but it's too far away to get an idea. We have to see where we stand after qualifying and the main aim is to win both championships which will mean that I've brought something good to the team."