 Barrichello Enjoys Longest Holiday Ever Wednesday December 26th, 2001
"After the last race in Japan, I went straight home to Brazil for about four days," said the Brazilian. "Then, my next stop was Italy for the big end of year Ferrari event at Monza, but after that, I have enjoyed two marvellous months at home, where all I have done is focussed on my physical condition - I have lost a couple of kilos - and on my family. I've played a lot of golf, as well as cycling, running and working in the gym, but the rest of the time, I have been at home playing with my kid. Eduardo is fantastic, growing quickly. He's a healthy boy, already weighing seven kilos! I am enjoying being a father. He laughs and makes a lot of noise." Barrichello returned briefly to Europe last week. "I was back in Europe for the FIA prize-giving ceremony. I did not know I was getting a trophy, so that was a pleasant surprise. It was good to see everyone again, including Michael Schumacher. After that, there was a big Ferrari weekend, with all the staff of the Gestione Sportiva. I had to dress up as Santa Claus and I guess the costume looked good, because people were not sure if it was me." And how will he end the year? "For Christmas, we had the whole family together as we gather at my parents' house. We prayed together, we sang together and it was just fantastic," enthuses Barrichello. "For New Year's Eve, we'll go to the beach and jump seven waves in the sea, making seven wishes. It's a Brazilian tradition and, in my case, at least two of those wishes will have something to do with Formula One! I will return to Europe in the middle of January for the Madonna di Campiglio event and then I'll start testing on January 19th in Valencia. I am looking forward to it. The track is easy physically, so it is a good way to start the programme. "People are asking if I am anxious to drive. I am keen to drive, but I am not anxious. Now, we must hope the new car will be ready and good. Everyone at the factory is working hard and super-motivated for 2002. This is the longest break from driving that I can remember. It is ten years since I had a proper holiday. It's a tough business. You do a race weekend and on the Monday, you are already travelling to the next test, sometimes testing from Tuesday through Friday. That can be mentally tough, but I am ready to do it all over again."
Published at 21:05:04 GMT
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The Christmas and New Year celebrations mark the end of the longest holiday Rubens Barrichello has enjoyed in the last ten years as a Grand Prix driver. Speaking from his Sao Paulo home, the Ferrari driver talks about what he has been up to since the end of the 2001 race season.
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