Barrichello not distracted by future talk

Honda Racing team principal Ross Brawn revealed in an interview with the official Formula One website on Friday that he expected Barrichello and teammate Jenson Button to stay onboard at the Japanese manufacturer for another season.

Although neither driver has signed a contract yet, Brawn's comments suggest there is little doubt about who will be the team's drivers for next year - now that the team have given up in attempts to lure Fernando Alonso on board.

Asked for a reaction about Brawn's comments, Barrichello: "I actually haven't seen that. I haven't signed anything.

"Obviously we are talking but right now, especially on my side, I'm concentrating very much on what I'm doing. I'm enjoying the moment.

"The car is not capable but I could only achieve the podium last week because of the enjoyment. You really have to take the best out of everything and work on it.

"Of course I want to stay for next year - I think it's going to be one of best places to have for next year.

"When I came out of Ferrari I tried to build something here. The first year we had the Michelin tyres and I had to get used to them, the second year, the car was no good and this is the third year that I am proving a little bit better.

"If I am not in Formula One next year it will be sad not to use my services because I'm quicker than I've ever been and with that experience that is useful. I hope I'm staying here but I cannot confirm I have signed anything because I haven't."

When asked if, as the most experienced driver in the history of F1, he would be surprised if Honda offered him another contract, Barrichello said: "No. I hope I am, yes."

Barrichello's contract talk proved a welcome diversion for him after a difficult day on track, not helped by a suspension problem and a spin.

"The balance was very different today. We tried all sorts of things. We found a small problem with one of the dampers, so everything we tried today gave no balance.

"The spin was almost a way to tell the team that's the speed I want to take into the corner but unfortunately it's not possible just yet. Problems everywhere this afternoon: high-speed lack of balance, locking rears through the low speed no traction, it was a very sad afternoon."

And Barrichello was in no doubt about the weather he wanted for the rest of the weekend: "I'm praying for snow to be honest! If it's dry it's going to be a difficult weekend."