Barrichello determined to stay in F1

The Brazilian originally signed a one-year contract with Brawn on the eve of the season, with the outfit having been rescued at the last minute following Honda's decision to withdraw from F1.

And, with Barrichello showing that his vast F1 experience is no hindrance to his speed, he has set his sights on staying in the sport for at least another year.

"Well, in terms of will, I am 100 per cent determined to stay in F1," said the Brazilian, who is the most experienced driver in the history of F1.

"I showed last year that I didn't want to stop, and I believed that very much. Of course I don't want to be in the situation of last year, where you are waiting so much.

"Like I said before, I am a guy who knows a lot of people in the paddock and it takes me 15 minutes to get in in the morning and 15 minutes to get out in the evening. I talk to a lot of people, and I love that, and I am talking to all of them. It is 100 per cent that I want to be in F1 next year."

Brawn chiefs said in Valencia last week that there was little reason for them to change their driver line-up in 2010, with talks with Barrichello and Jenson Button expected to commence after this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Barrichello also dropped a firm hint about remaining at Brawn when asked whether he had a contract with the team for next year.

"Not just yet, no," he said.