Malaysian GP: Q & A Rubens Barrichello

After a DNF in Melbourne two weeks ago, Rubens Barrichello is eager to get started at Sepang. Here are his thoughts ahead of round two of the 2011 World Championship.

How much were you able to learn about the FW33 in Melbourne?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to learn a great deal. It was a very unusual weekend for me because I crashed out of the race and had a messy qualifying. But I did enough miles to know that the car is okay; it’s competitive. And we learnt that the tyres are a lot better than we were expecting.

Sepang is a very different racetrack to Albert Park. Do you expect the tyres to hold up here?
It could be very different here, with up to four pitstops on Sunday. As well as faster corners and more abrasive asphalt, there’s the heat to think about at Sepang as well.

Do you think we’ll come away from Sepang with a clearer idea of the pecking order?
I think we will because it’s a proper racetrack, instead of a part street circuit like Albert Park. But I think we’ll have to wait until Turkey to understand fully who’s quick and who’s not.

Is the FW33 living up to its pre-season form?
Absolutely. It’s a good car and we’re developing it quickly. We have a new front wing here and more new parts coming for the next race in China.

What’s a realistic goal for you at Sepang?
I want to have a quieter weekend than in Melbourne, that’s for sure. I want to concentrate on what I have to do and get a clear picture of what the car is capable of. At this stage, my expectations are humble; I hope to finish in the points.

How are you finding the heat and humidity?
My system of dealing with the heat is different to most other drivers. I believe that you have to conserve energy at this race when you’re not in the car. I saw [Jarno] Trulli lapping on his bike today and I don’t see the point of that. It’s the preparation that you do before the event that makes you fit and race-ready. I’ve been flat-out in hot conditions back home in Brazil, but now that I’m here I’m going to limit the amount that I do.