Barrichello not ready to quit just yet

Barrichello, who made his Grand Prix debut in 1993 with the Jordan team, will become Formula One's most experienced driver at the Turkish Grand Prix this year, surpassing Riccardo Patrese's record of 256 starts.

The 35-year-old, the second oldest driver on the grid this year behind David Coulthard, is finishing his contract with Honda at the end of the season.

Barrichello is adamant, however, that this is not his last year in Formula One.

"As long as I physically can," said Barrichello when asked how long he can carry on during the launch of Honda's new car. "I haven't reached the peak of my physical performance yet.

"There is a time when in athletics, my running will go down. I haven't reached that yet. And I am just too glad to go through Eau Rouge flat.

"What can I do? It is just that feeling I miss. That is why I do the go kart racing, that is why I put so much effort into it. I love being there in the middle of things. But if I don't feel competitive in some way, then it is time to stop.

"I am grateful of everything I have had, but I don't think this is my last year. From deep inside I don't pretend to stop. I don't have any contract signed yet and so on, but I feel good. But I feel I am going to stop before someone tells me to."

The Brazilian admitted that despite his long career in Formula One, he is still excited about the start of a new season.

"It is amazing, because at the end of the day you think it is the same thing again for the whole time all over again," he said.

"But it is the excitement of a new era. Honestly, from deep inside, if it wasn't for how much I loved the driving, I love my kids and family and I would just stay at home to not be in this cold English weather.

"So I do love so much the driving. For me it is a new start. I did have problems in my career and maybe I have mentioned that already - after three or four years of driving I thought, 'wow, how long am I going to stay in this?' Because I was fed up.

"But right now I think I understand how to get the good energy where you need it, and the bad energy you can just put it away."