Formula One news

Barrichello enthusiastic about Silverstone

Rubens Barrichello is keen to get onto the track for Silverstone's first practice session on Friday. Somewhat a specialist at the Northamptonshire venue, the Brazilian drove his Honda to a podium finish in the wet last year, at the same circuit on which he clinched a dramatic victory for Ferrari in 2003.

Barrichello endured a tough race in Turkey, hampered and sidelined by gearbox woes

Currently 26 points behind team-mate and championship leader Jenson Button, Rubens is determined to make a strong impression this weekend after a non-scoring retirement from the last race at Istanbul Park.

"Silverstone is one of my all-time favourite circuits and I absolutely love racing there," the Brawn driver said. "The track is fantastic as it is one of the few remaining on the calendar that is high-speed, fast-flowing and really allows you to let the car go through the quick corners - it is also a very safe track and that's important from a driver's perspective. Becketts is probably the most impressive corner with a 290kph (180mph) bend which leads into a challenging complex. Overtaking can be pretty spectacular if you get it right in one of the high-speed sections, although the best opportunities are probably the slower corners at Vale and Abbey."

Rubens finished third in the rain for Honda in last year

Whether it be splashing through the puddles in 2000 to witnessing a priest running up the race track three years later, recollections of the circuit are aplenty. "I have some amazing memories from Silverstone over the years and it feels really sad that this might be the last time that we race there," Rubens continued. "I spent so much time testing and racing at the circuit when I was younger that it almost feels like a home track and the crowds are always supportive, even if you aren't British!

"My win in 2003 was really special and it's fantastic to be returning this year with a car that has the potential to compete for the victory. There's a lot of expectation going into the weekend as our team's home Grand Prix but we will remain calm and just focus on doing the best job that we possibly can."

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