Rubens plays golf on week off - 25th August 21:43pm GMT

Rubens Barrichello has spent the time since Hungary at home in Sao Paulo, after first travelling from Budapest to Maranello to celebrate winning the Constructors’ title, along with all the staff of the Gestione Sportiva. “It was worth delaying my flight home, as those guys at the factory deserve so much of the credit for our incredible achievements and they also deserve to celebrate alongside the race team,” said the Brazilian. “The weather here in Brazil was getting hotter and I was able to combine some training with working on my golf handicap. I am getting better!”

Now, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver has returned to Europe in preparation for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. “I am looking forward to returning to Spa as it is a fantastic circuit,” said Barrichello. “I hope they have just made a few modifications to some of the high speed sections in the interest of safety. Apart from that, driving there is a phenomenal sensation. I am sure we can have a good weekend as our car seems to go well at every type of track. But we will have to wait and see how the weekend develops. In Hungary, we had a tyre that really made the difference in our favour, but Formula 1 technology never sleeps and there are so many people fighting for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, that I am sure they will be working hard to provide strong competition. We have to keep on working, even though the car is fantastic and seems to get better and better. Knowing what the weather can be like in this part of the world, we might even get the opportunity to see what our car is like in the wet. I am confident we have made progress with the whole package in this area, but we have not had the chance to find out yet this season, how we match up to the opposition. I hope we still have the advantage.”

On the subject of safety and technology, Barrichello expressed his views on the debate regarding rule changes for Formula 1. “F1 should be the pinnacle of sport and technology and the new rules should be drawn up to ensure that it stays that way. It is difficult to stop progress and if you look at the Olympics for example, every time it happens it is more lavish. While I agree we have to look at the safety and cost aspects of our sport, we must also make sure it continues to be the ultimate level of racing and provide a good show.”