Rio de Janeiro - New Ferrari pilot Rubens Barrichello has no chance of winning the Formula One world championship next year, according to former champion and fellow Brazilian Nelson Piquet.
Triple world champion Piquet said Barrichello, who has just joined Ferrari, would do well to see next season as a learning period.
Piquet told Brazilian press: "Certain people have asked me if Barrichello can challenge for the world title.
"Are they joking? Let's be sincere. Ferrari are very good but Barrichello has no chance because he knows nothing about being in a top team."
Barrichello, who was linked with a move to Ferrari back in 1995, replaced Ulsterman Eddie Irvine last month and will drive alongside Germany's twice world champion Michael Schumacher next season.
Piquet added Barrichello's only real chance to win the title would be if Schumacher had an accident which kept him out for six to seven grand prix. - Sapa-AFP