When we caught up with Rubens Barrichello on Monday, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver was not a happy man. “I’ve just played nine holes of golf and it did not go very well,” explained the Brazilian as he enjoyed a couple of days relaxation before heading for England and this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

But when the subject turned to the intensive week of testing during which he ran for two days at Barcelona, the response was far more positive. “I did plenty of laps in what is the last test before the summer break,” said Rubens. “We gathered some useful information and the feedback was positive. I tried some new aerodynamic parts and we did a lot of work on the tyre side which has led to some improvement in that area. I must make it clear that despite recent criticisms, I never felt there has been any lack of commitment from Bridgestone this season. Everyone goes through good times and bad times. In the last couple of races, Bridgestone had to settle for points rather than wins and they felt they had to make some changes. Although we were happy on the tyre side after testing at Silverstone in mid-June, it now seems likely we will bring some new types of tyre to England as a result of last week’s test.”

Barrichello feels that the nature of the circuits which hosted the last couple of races had something to do with the Scuderia’s lack of wins. “Last year, in general we had a much bigger advantage over the opposition, but in 2002 at these two tracks, the other tyre company ran well especially in qualifying. So we expected them to improve and to do well there this year. Our package has also improved, but on those occasions the opposition made more progress than us.”

The Brazilian confirmed that tyres would not be the only novelty on the technical agenda for the British Grand Prix. “We are going to have some new aerodynamic parts for Silverstone, which is a positive step and the result of high mileage testing of these parts in Barcelona and Fiorano,” he said. “I feel they will bring an improvement to the overall package.”

Last year, rain played its part in deciding the outcome of the Silverstone race, but a wet track is not the only problem drivers can face here. “The key to a quick lap at Silverstone is having a very well balanced car, particularly as this circuit can be very windy, making it difficult to set up the car,” explained the Ferrari driver. “Of all the tracks we race on, it is the one I know best since my Formula Lotus and Formula 3 days. I know what to do there and I find it an exciting and challenging track. It is a chance for me to do well. I have seen a lot of stories in the press along the lines of “Rubens is not doing well this year” and I disagree with that. I always try my best, I am not a sleeper. This year, the situation is tougher and we have occasionally started a bit further back on the track, so for me, Silverstone represents the chance to do it just right. I like going there, I’m feeling good and it should be a good weekend for me and for the Scuderia.”