Patrese sad to lose long-standing record

Barrichello will compete in his 257th F1 race in Istanbul and, although there remains some controversy over his exact number of official starts, most accept that the Brazilian will overhaul Patrese's long-standing record of 256 starts.

And although Patrese is delighted for Barrichello, he has confessed that he will feel a bit unhappy at losing a record he has held since the 1993 Australian Grand Prix.

"I will feel some sadness, of course," Patrese told autosport.com about seeing Barrichello overhaul his record.

"I was pleased to keep the record, but records are there to be beaten - and the only thing I can say is that I congratulate Rubens for doing it.

"He has had a long career and this record means that if you can survive in Formula One for so many years, then it means you did well - and everything you did was appreciated by the people who worked with you."

Barrichello is set to hold a series of celebrations in Turkey this weekend, with family and friends due to attend the race in Istanbul.

Speaking about breaking the record, the Brazilian admitted it was an important milestone for him.

"Becoming the most experienced Formula One driver ever means a great deal to me," he said. "I've had a long career in Formula One and I have so many wonderful memories, but I don't feel any different today to the day when I started out on this journey in 1993.

"My first race, at Kyalami, seems like yesterday. I must thank my family and friends for their unwavering support through the years. I was lucky enough to start my career in F1 at a young age and I love racing as much as ever and, importantly, I still love Formula One.

"While people will look back at my 16-year career in Turkey, I'm still looking forward and the next race is the one that matters the most."

Barrichello and Patrese raced against each other for just one season, in 1993, when Barrichello made his debut for Jordan and Patrese had his final year in F1 with Benetton.