Barrichello missed driving

Rubens Barrichello returned to Europe today, having spent the break since the German Grand Prix back home in Brazil. "I've had a good time and enjoyed a complete rest," said the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver. "I played a lot of golf at home; in fact since the start of the year my handicap has gone down from 26 to 19. That means, from being very bad at golf, I am now just bad! Other than that, I have had a quiet time and I also enjoyed my first Fathers' Day as a father rather than just a son."

Although relaxation was his main priority, Barrichello did not neglect his fitness. "It has been getting very hot in Brazil now and I made the most of the weather to do a lot of physical training in the warm conditions," revealed the Brazilian. "I also had some physiotherapy treatment on my back, which was bothering me after the German Grand Prix, so I am now in top shape."

Having enjoyed his holiday, Barrichello is now focussing on the remaining five races of the season. "I am looking forward to this weekend in Budapest," he said. "The three week break in the season is a very good idea, especially for the mechanics and engineers, who get so little time to rest and see their families, but I have to say I have missed driving a racing car. At our level of driving, even after three weeks, there is no sense of having to get used to the job again, so I will pushing hard as soon as I get in the cockpit on Friday morning. It will all feel very natural. However, the Hungarian track is always very dirty on the first day, so some caution is required."

The Hungaroring has some unique characteristics, which Rubens reckons will make for an interesting weekend. "I guess my view of the circuit is the same as everyone else's. It's a circuit with no overtaking, it is bumpy and you have to concentrate all your efforts into Saturday's qualifying hour, as a good grid position is essential for the race," he explained. "If you have a well balanced car, you can have a strong race, which can depend on playing a good strategy game. The track is a bit too slow, even if, just like every circuit it has its own challenges. I am looking forward to it, because I enjoy coming to Budapest, which is a beautiful city to visit and I have always had a good time there. Hopefully, I can also have a good time on Sunday afternoon."

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