Barrichello regrets Brazil loss

Rubens Barrichello believes he has improved throughout 2003 but his main regret is losing the victory at his home race in Brazil, back at the beginning of April. Barrichello was leading the race until, unbelievably, he ran out of fuel, leaving him ...

Rubens Barrichello believes he has improved throughout 2003 but his main regret is losing the victory at his home race in Brazil, back at the beginning of April. Barrichello was leading the race until, unbelievably, he ran out of fuel, leaving him to coast to halt and retire from his ninth home event in a row. The low of Interlagos contrasts with the high of Silverstone, where the Brazilian did claim the win.

Rubens Barrichello.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"It has been a much more competitive year and I think I have made yet another step forward in terms of my own performance and in all aspects of my job," Barrichello said. "I still regret the race in Brazil most of all, where a win and ten points were on the cards. But in terms of my race pace throughout the season, it has been much better than last year."

"Without a doubt, the best moment was winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the worst time was my home race in Brazil, where I really thought I could win."

However, the season is almost over and Barrichello is ready for the challenge of Suzuka. "It is a geat circuit and fun to drive," he said of the Japanese track, a favourite of many dirvers. "It is a breath of fresh air and gets your adrenaline running. There is always work to do here and you can never tell yourself that there is only one corner to go and you can relax. It is a good way to end the season."

Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher needs one point to secure his sixth world championship this weekend but Barrichello thinks the German won't need any help. Rubens' focus is trying to win the Constructors' title for the team and win the race for himself.

"I think I have to work flat out this weekend, trying to put the car on pole position or at least the front row," he said. "I will be trying to win and that is the best thing I can do to help Michael, because if I do get the win, Michael does not need to do much to take the title. Michael is very competitive here at this track, so he will be okay anyway. There is no point in just trying to finish seventh or eighth, because we still want to win the Constructors' Championship."