Barrichello still happy about Hungary

After helping Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro clinch this year's Constructors' World Championship with a lights to flag victory in Hungary last weekend, Rubens Barrichello is now back home, enjoying the Brazilian summer as there is no testing on his schedule prior to the next grand prix.

A couple of days after his second win of the season, he was still enjoying the memories of last Sunday. "The car was great and a couple of laps into the race, we could see that everything was working well," recalled Rubens. "We had wondered how hot it would get and what effect that would have on the tyres, but they worked really well. We were able to open a big enough gap and the reliability of the car did the rest." Barrichello feels that while the entire F2002 has been excellent this year, Ferrari's close relationship with Bridgestone has been the outstanding element in the package. "I think the fact we work so well with Bridgestone and the way the tyre works on the car, has been the single most important thing."

The Brazilian had been due to fly straight home after the race, but he naturally changed his plans to celebrate the title win with the team in Budapest on Sunday night. "It was a great party and even though the band was good, we felt we should have a go, so I tried every musical instrument on the stage," laughed Rubens. "I think I got more blisters on my hand from playing the drums than I did from racing the car!" On the Monday, Barrichello finally flew home to Sao Paolo. "I had a nice surprise when I landed," said the Ferrari man. "Even though it was 4.45 in the morning, my wife was there to meet me."

Barrichello felt proud to be part of the championship winning team. "I feel good about the championship," he admitted. "I don't know if it is a coincidence, but since I became a Ferrari driver, we have won everything, which makes me proud." Although Schumacher and Barrichello both have their own group of engineers and mechanics working on their cars, the Brazilian said he felt the support of the entire team when he won in Budapest. "They all know what a tough job it is and even Michael's mechanics were cheering me after the race. Of course it was special for the guys working on my car, but at Ferrari we are just one big team."

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