“I have to say that after the French GP, I still feel very disappointed about what happened,” admitted Barrichello. “When you think everything is under control and then it is not, it is hard to deal with. I felt very confident as I drove onto the grid, because the car felt fine. It had been really good in the morning warm-up and we knew the rear tyres were lasting well. Then when I went for the buttons, the car would not start. We tried everything but could not immediately fix the problem. I have to admit that at the time I was incredibly angry and disappointed. I looked at my mechanics as I walked back into the garage and they looked as upset as I did.”

Rather than sit around watching the others race Barrichello decided to leave the circuit early and set about on his journey home to Brazil. It is quite unusual for the Brazilian to take such actions but perhaps the frustrations got to him and he was sick of the sight of Michael winning while he suffers all the bad luck in the team. However the Brazilian did not get too far from the track before he was making his way back to the circuit to join in the title celebrations.

“I don’t think I have left the circuit before the end of the race for the past five years.But this time, I felt I had put up with a tough day and had nothing else to do. My sister was with me and so we decided to leave and the team told me I could. When I was at the airport, about to leave, I rang my manager and he told me that Michael had won the race,” said Rubens. “I knew then that I had to get back to Magny-Cours. So I almost had to stand in front of a helicopter to hitch a lift back to the track! I told everyone I was very sorry, but I really had to jump the queue. So I went back to the track for a couple of hours, to be with the team.”

As it was he arrived just in time to participate in the team celebrations, which included Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo who is a rare spectator at races these days. And the frustration and bad mood Barrichello felt were soon to be wiped away as he joined in the party.

“Although I was in a bad mood, that changed almost as soon as I got there, because everyone felt so happy that I felt happy for them, happy for Michael. Michael is a true champ and he deserves it. He wanted this title and to get it so early in the season takes some of the pressure off. Now we can work together towards the Constructors’ Championship.”

So with his French weekend still in his mind it is with added focus that Barrichello arrives in Germany for the next battle he will face with the bad luck that is dogging his season. And come Friday practice Barrichello’s thoughts on France will be quickly wiped away as he aims once more to do the very best he can for the team and for himself.