Question: We were at Monza this weekend, what do you associate with this circuit?
Rubens Barrichello: The track has a lot of passion and emotions. I have won there in 2002 and 2004 and it is actually the only race track that I have won at two times - and I feel great there. I have always done well in Monza, even though the car right now is not so fast. It is one of those races I’m always looking forward to.
Question: Do you enjoy entertaining friends and family during a race weekend?
Rubens Barrichello: I do. Although a race weekend is a very serious weekend, I do like to have the family around. But on the other hand, as my weekend is packed with racing and meetings, I do worry a bit when I see my wife reading a 300-page book in two days, as it shows me that she has nothing to do - she is just reading, reading. But it is very nice in the evening when you have the chance to have a nice dinner before you head back to the hotel.
Question: Any drivers you particularly like hanging out with?
Rubens Barrichello: Well, there are the poker guys, Felipe Massa - but I get along well with everybody. My oldest friend in the paddock is David Coulthard and I already know that I will miss him when he stops racing at the end of the season.
Question: What’s the best night out you’ve had at a Grand Prix? And have you ever overslept the next morning?
Rubens Barrichello: One of the best nights out that I had was at Nurburgring. I had won the race and as at Nurburgring there is not really much to do my friend Norbert Haug - I guess I can call him friend - invited me to the Mercedes party that was taking place at the track. I was with my wife and we had a few drinks and then I ended up playing the guitar, even though I do not know how to do it. I also ended up singing, which I really don’t have a talent for - and we had a fantastic time. My wife had to walk me back because I didn’t know where I was going.
Question: How do you like to spend the hour or so before the race?
Rubens Barrichello: I like to be by myself, maybe on the computer listening to some music and doing some stretching exercises. Or my physio gives me a massage.
Question: Any superstitions or pre-race rituals you always go through to bring you luck?
Rubens Barrichello: Not anymore. I used to have plenty of them, but you win and lose races with or without them.
Question: How do you wind down after the race?
Rubens Barrichello: We always have a debriefing and at around 7pm I tend to leave the track. Then I usually have a glass of wine. Sometimes after a race, I go to Brazil or Monaco to relax. And I can switch-off very quickly, because after 16 years, you get used to anything.
Rubens Barrichello: I think you have to stay. Even if you drop out for a reason, you should see how the other car is doing, and to learn and understand what has happened. So 99 per cent of the time, I will stay.
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