Grapevine: Proud Dad Barrichello Happier Than Ever

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello's life has changed thanks to the arrival of his son Eduardo, and the proud father is ready to add further joy to his life with success in his homeland.

Ferrari driver Barrichello competes in the 150th Grand Prix of his career at Interlagos this weekend, and the 29-year-old plans to add to the happiness in his life by celebrating victory in Sao Paulo.

"It is sure, sure, sure that I am the happiest guy at home," Barrichello said of fatherhood. "I am the happiest guy driving because it has changed my life.

"The arrival of Eduardo was something that I didn't expect to be so emotional. If you saw me crying on the podium at Hockenheim you couldn't image what it was like when he was there, or he was coming, it was unbelievable."

Barrichello's start to the season has been disappointing. He has failed to score a single point with two retirements scuppering his plans to be quick out of the blocks this year.

He will again use last year's F2001 in Brazil, but Barrichello is convinced that the birth of Eduardo has stabilised him as a person and a driver. He no longer lets his anger flow and that can only be good for his title chances, according to the man himself.

"It is easy coming to say I am better because this has happened or this has happened," he added. "I am a more stable person out of the track, but when I get into the race car it means very little because it is myself, the car and driving.

"I think mentally (it has affected me) because I am just more stable outside. It makes me a better person driving and a better driver and it has changed my life in a way that I am more happy to say.

"There are some more stable things and I am less emotional. I am getting less angry with small things. If there are things that I don't feel is right then I have to look for a better way of doing (them), but then I am not paying any attention for the small things any more."