F1 team review - Brawn GP

"What a year for Rubens Barrichello.

"The Brazilian thought he was unemployed last winter after Honda withdrew from Formula 1. I talked to him quite a bit through that period and I was amazed how he kept his belief.

"Barrichello has collected six podiums and two excellent victories in Valencia and Monza. As he said: 'If I had woken up earlier this year I could have won the world championhip.'

"The 37-year-old arrived at Honda, which morphed into Brawn, as a man mentally bruised from being Michael Schumacher's supporting act at Ferrari.

"Brawn then gave him the right car and the veteran has become a new man. It's just so impressive at his age and after 17 seasons in the sport. He has kept his motivation and has proved he can just about cope with it physically too.

"A Williams seat is his reward for 2010."

What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula One driver?
Exciting, determination and passion.

What is the biggest perk of the job?
Driving a Formula One car. Fast!

How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?
A persistent man who won in the end.

What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
When I was driving in Formula Three, my car had a front bar that could be changed.

I asked for it to be changed, did five laps and told the team the car was much better. They came on the radio and said the bar was actually disconnected. I was only 18 but very embarrassed.

Who is the worst dressed Formula One driver?
Michael Schumacher. Easily. Ha ha!

Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost
Senna, because he had a tremendous passion for what he did and because he was a fellow countryman.

Spa or Monaco?
I like Spa better because it is a challenging track, not only on the physical side but also technically in terms of getting the set-up right.

Monaco is fun but only in qualifying. The race can be a little boring from a driver's point of view.

BARRICHELLO STATS & FACTS Team: Brawn GP Team-mate: Jenson Button Previous teams: Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda Car number: 23 Nationality: Brazilian Born: 23/05/1972, Sao Paulo Grand Prix debut: South Africa 1993 Grands Prix entered: 287 Wins: 11 Pole positions: 14 Podiums: 68 Points: 607

If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?

I have no idea. I have been doing this since I was six years old! What else is there?

Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?
I am a big fan of Senna. He brought a huge amount of fans to F1 but also better safety, unfortunately as a result of his death. Safety really improved after his accident.

What would be your perfect day off?
Being at home with my kids playing whatever they want to play. To be honest, I hate playing Power Rangers, but sometimes I do it.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
Nowadays I really like taking the kids to the Disney parks because they have so much fun.

But if I don't have time then being at home in Sao Paulo is just as good as any holiday.

Apart from a house what is the most expensive thing that you own?
My plane - an Embraer Legacy. I have to travel a lot and it means I can get from race to test to event as quickly as possible and then get back to my family.

What is your favourite item of clothing?
A white T-shirt and jeans.

What is your favourite music to drive to?
Brazilian country music, like Victor and Leo.

Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?
Barack Obama. He seems very down to earth and also a clever guy.

Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know
I am actually much more extrovert than I seem on TV. Plus, I can be very naughty!

Steve McQueen or Paul Newman?
Paul Newman, because he was a great motor racing enthusiast.

Boxers or briefs?
Briefs. They keep everything together. When I'm racing? Nothing but my fireproof underwear.

Angelina Jolie or Keira Knightley?
Can I have Hilary Swank instead?

James Bond or Austin Powers?
James Bond. I love those movies.

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