Rubens Barrichello - Photo Credit: Lorenzo Bellanca/LAT Photographic
Rubens Barrichello believes that he will be around in Formula 1 next season after having what he described as a ‘fun’ race at Interlagos today.
The Brazilian, who started his home race in twelfth place today, suffered a poor start but recovered to finish fourteenth.
“We thought it was going to rain today so we were running a long first gear,” he explained. “I started at the bottom of the hill, and as it was a dry start, I slipped back. It was a fun race but we don't have a car that can finish in the points just yet.
“I want to thank the team for all their hard work this year. We have had a tough season but we've pushed together. There's been a lot of talk over the weekend, but I believe I will be back again next season.”
In the other Williams, Pastor Maldonado endured an even worse race. The Venezuelan driver was running sixteenth when he spun out of the race on Lap 26.
“I had a good start until I lost position fighting for space on track,” he said. “Our overall pace during the race was fine, but the rear wing setting slightly held us back on the long straight. My retirement came after I passed Senna on lap 26. The car had too much oversteer and I just lost control of it.”
