THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAO PAULO, Brazil — Still without a team for next season, Rubens Barrichello refuses to consider the year-ending Brazilian Grand Prix as his farewell race in Formula One.
“I’m not seeing it as my last race,” the Brazilian said. “It’s just another Brazilian GP, one that is always fantastic because of the energy we get from the fans.”
Barrichello, the most experienced current F1 driver, is yet to renew his contract with Honda. He hasn’t decided where he will drive in his 17th season, but remains optimistic of finding a ride.
“I won’t be making my farewell race just yet,” Barrichello said this week. “I don’t have to think about that right now. I’ll just try to have a good race, Interlagos will be packed with fans cheering for Felipe (Massa) and for me as well.”
Next week’s race at Interlagos will decide the F1 season. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton leads Massa by seven points and can clinch the title by finishing fifth or better. He can also win it without finishing the race if Massa fails to cross the line in the top two spots.
The 36-year-old Barrichello has said he wants to stay at Honda next year, but acknowledged that he may need to seek other options if the team fails to renew his contract. He has also been linked to a move to Toro Rosso.
Barrichello won nine F1 races during six seasons at Ferrari before leaving the Italian team in 2005. This year, his best finish was third place at the British Grand Prix in June.