Montezemolo thanks Barrichello again - 1st September 19:19pm GMT

Rubens Barrichello, set to leave Ferrari's Formula 1 team at the end of this season, on Thursday received a farewell tribute from the group's boss .

Speaking at the opening of a Ferrari store in Milan, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo noted that after the Brazilian joined Ferrari in 2000 the team went on to win five straight constructors' championships .

"You are one of the two drivers who have experienced the most triumphant period in the history of our company and the credit is partly yours," Montezemolo said as Barrichello and team-mate Michael Schumacher looked on.

The chairman's warm words appeared to indicate that there were no hard feelings at Ferrari over the driver's departure a year before his contract was due to expire .

"I realise it is important to have new challenges and so I offer you my best wishes," he continued .

Despite the 'goodbye' feel to the occasion, Barrichello appeared in fine fettle as he took part in a 'triathlon' (basketball, golf and cycling) contest with Schumacher in Milan's central streets .

The pair raced from the headquarters of Ferrari's sponsor, Vodafone, to the front of the new Ferrari store, the biggest in Italy. Barrichello finished just before his team-mate of six years.