This time last year Rubens Barrichello was in a car that nearly won him the world title, but in Bahrain at the weekend the Brazilian was in a car that looks destined for mid-table.

Barrichello knew he would be taking a step down when he joined Williams in the summer but he and many others including myself expected Williams to be competing with the big boys. Williams’ pace from last year looks to have gone over the summer.

However, ‘Rubinho’ did post a fastest lap that was only a couple of tenths slower than Massa and Hamilton’s personal bests. But unfortunately the pace just wasn’t there over the race distance and when it mattered in qualifying.

Renault, Force India, Sauber and Williams didn’t set the place alight either so maybe ‘the best of the rest’ is the only thing Barrichello can achieve this year.

Nevertheless it was a determined and gutsy drive from the Brazilian in Bahrain. A point was all Barrichello could show for his efforts but at least it is something the Williams team can take away from Bahrain. Barrichello will do a professional job for Williams this year and he showed that on Sunday.

Barrichello is a genius behind the wheel and he got the best out of his Brawn last year which he has carried on doing already with his Williams this term.

Sunday’s performance would have also given Barrichello a psychological advantage over his 22-year-old Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg. ‘Rubinho’ is only too aware that Hulkenberg wants to outperform him and send him into retirement. Barrichello doesn’t want this to happen under any circumstances.

I believe this is what is driving Barrcihello on this season. The 37-year-old veteran wants to wipe the smug look off his younger team-mate’s face.

Barrichello’s drive on Sunday sent a message to Hulkenberg, ’Watch me and see how it is done’.

I believe Williams will improve over the season but if they don’t then I back Barrichello to get the best out of his car and still win points, whereas Hulkenberg will be eager and make mistakes.

Barrichello might not have got the result he would have hoped for in Bahrain but he did win a morale boosting point in a disappointing car with some ease, while Hulkenberg struggled in his first race as a Formula one driver.

Rubens will be happy deep down with a one-nil advantage over ‘The Hulk’.

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