Saturday March 30th, 2002

Rubens Barrichello has hit back at widespread suggestions that his native Sao Paulo is a violent and dangerous city - and criticised London as being just as crime-struck as the sun-kissed Brazilian metropolis.

The home ace, who will line up for Ferrari at his home Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, said he was angry at constant talk of the security problems in Brazil and false claims that it is a risky place to visit or live.

"I was in Piccadilly Circus in London just three weeks ago and I saw a robbery in front of me on the street," he said. "I haven't seen anything like that before. I think London has a problem more than Sao Paulo. For me, that was a very frightening experience and I don't want to see it again."

He said he saw someone 'mugged' in front of him, but did not give chase because it was too dangerous. And he denied he is using a bullet-proof armoured car to journey from his hotel to the circuit each day here in the sprawling city of Sao Paulo.

"It's not true," he said. "I am going to and from in an ordinary Fiat car supplied by the local dealership. It is just an ordinary car."

Fears about security swept through the Formula One paddock this year after a spate of robberies and muggings last year and widespread warnings that team members should avoid wearing their uniforms or any kind of jewellery or watches or special passes in the city this year.

"I think it is wrong and out of hand," said Barrichello. "Anyway, it is so quiet here this year I think it is like all the robbers have gone to the beach."

The city is almost deserted this Easter weekend because of the long religious holiday and the perfect weather. There is almost no traffic and hardly any pollution.

"It is wonderful and people should write about the good points in Brazil, not the bad ones," said Barrichello.

Published at 15:42:52 GMT