Honda in no hurry to re-sign Rubens

HONDA

Monday 12th May 2008

Rubens Barrichello's dream of competing in 300 grands prix could all depend on whether Honda are willing to give the 35-year-old a new deal.

Barrichello made Formula One history in Istanbul on Sunday when he competed in his 257th race. The Brazilian, though, has already set his sights on making 300 grand prix starts.

"I don't know if I will get to 300 and I don't know if I can reach 300, but I will try because a friend of mine used to say that racing was in my blood and I really feel that," he said.

However, that could all depend on whether or not Honda are willing to renew his contract, which expires at the end of this season. And that will depend on whether Barrichello produces the results the team are looking for from him.

"Rubens is very aware of the situation and I don't think he would want it any other way," Honda CEO Nick Fry told Reuters.

"When I hired Rubens, in one conversation I made a mistake and complimented him on his experience. He said "I don't want to be experienced, I want to be fast.'

"Rubens wants to be fast and if he is fast, he'll be here next year. And if he's not fast, he won't. It's as simple as that.

"I see no signs of Rubens wanting to retire whatsoever. He wants to carry on as long as he's enjoying it and as long as he's quick enough and at the moment he is."

However, Barrichello, who has not scored a point since 2006, will have to wait a while to learn his fate as Honda are not yet willing to talk about a new deal.

"We haven't had any serious conversations with Rubens, we've discussed things but it's not a priority at the moment. As we get towards the summer and into the autumn, then we'll start talking in earnest," Fry continued.

"Because we've worked together now for two and half years and have extended his contract once, it can be renewed very easily. It's not going to be the subject of prolonged negotiation. Either we will both want to do it or we both won't.

"Once we've both decided one way or the other, it's probably about a three day process."

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