Barrichello working towards Constructors' title

Maybe more than many of his colleagues, Rubens Barrichello is looking forward to getting to Hockenheim, as effectively he did not race at the weekend. "I have to say that one day after the French GP, I still feel very disappointed about what happened," admitted the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver.

"When you think everything is under control and then it is not, it is hard to deal with. I felt very confident as I drove onto the grid, because the car felt fine. It had been really good in the morning warm-up and we knew the rear tyres were lasting well. Then when I went for the buttons, the car would not start. We tried everything but could not immediately fix the problem. I have to admit that at the time I was incredibly angry and disappointed. I looked at my mechanics as I walked back into the garage and they looked as upset as I did."

Although he did not take part in the French GP, Barrichello's Sunday afternoon turned into a different sort of race, as he left the track before the end of the grand prix. "I don't think I have left the circuit before the end of the race for the past five years," said the Brazilian. "But this time, I felt I had put up with a tough day and had nothing else to do. My sister was with me and so we decided to leave and the team told me I could."

Barrichello did not hear the race result until he was about to fly home. "When I was at the airport, about to leave, I rang my manager and he told me that Michael had won the race," said Rubens. "I knew then that I had to get back to Magny-Cours. So I almost had to stand in front of a helicopter to hitch a lift back to the track! I told everyone I was very sorry, but I really had to jump the queue. So I went back to the track for a couple of hours, to be with the team."

Rubens arrived just in time for the celebrations with the entire team and Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo. "Although I was in a bad mood, that changed almost as soon as I got there, because everyone felt so happy that I felt happy for them, happy for Michael," he continued. "Michael is a true champ and he deserves it. He wanted this title and to get it so early in the season takes some of the pressure off. Now we can work together towards the Constructors' Championship."

That work will start in just a few days when practice for the German Grand Prix gets underway this Friday. Barrichello is keen to get there and put the French disappointment behind him. "Together with Michael, we are a good team, working to make this car more than good," he affirmed. "In fact it is terribly good! That is why I can look forward to the rest of the season in the hope that the team can aim for a maximum score every time."

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