The Ferrari pair have dominated this season
Michael Schumacher has hinted that he might help team-mate Rubens Barrichello win his home race for the first time.
The Brazilian, runner-up to Schumacher in this year's drivers' championship, has won two of the past three races.

Schumacher said: "It's important that a Ferrari finishes first at Interlagos on Sunday - which one of the two cars it will be is not important.

"Each us will drive his own race, but that doesn't mean that I won't help Rubens if the situation calls for it."

Schumacher added: "Rubens is a very strong driver, there's no question about that.

"He doesn't need anyone's help, and I'm sure that he would prefer to win by himself, and not rely on someone else helping him."

Barrichello said: "Of course the possibility to win is there and that's what I intend to do.

"But I'll try to enjoy the weekend with my fans, my home crowd, but keeping my foot down and hopefully."

This is the first season in which the Brazilian Grand Prix will be the final race of the Formula One season.

FIA Formula One World Ch'ship

2004 DRIVER STANDINGS
(after Japanese Grand Prix)

1 M Schumacher Ger Ferrari 146 pts
2 R Barrichello Brz Ferrari 108
3 J Button GB BAR 85
4 F Alonso Sp Renault 54
5 J Montoya Col Williams 48
6 J Trulli It Renault 46
7 K Raikkonen Fin McLaren 37
8 T Sato Jpn BAR 31
9 D Coulthard GB McLaren 24
10 G Fisichella It Sauber 22

* Schumacher wins title


FIA Formula One World Ch'ship

2004 DRIVER STANDINGS
(after Japanese Grand Prix)

11 R Schumacher Ger Williams 20 pts
12 F Massa Brz Sauber 11
13 M Webber Aus Jaguar 7
14 O Panis Fr Toyota 6
15 A Pizzonia Brz Williams 6
16 C Klien Aut Jaguar 3
17 C Da Matta Brz Toyota 3
18 N Heidfeld Ger Jordan 3
19 T Glock Ger Jordan 2
20 Z Baumgartner Hun Minardi 1



FIA Formula One World Ch'ship

2004 CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
(after Japanese Grand Prix)

1 Ferrari 254 pts
2 BAR 116
3 Renault 100
4 Williams 74
5 McLaren 61
6 Sauber 33
7 Jaguar 10
8 Toyota 9
9 Jordan 5
10 Minardi 1

* Ferrari win constructors' title