The paddock at this old-fashioned circuit does not have that much space, so the media simply stood in a huddle outside the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro offices to hear what its drivers, starting with Rubens Barrichello, had to say about this coming weekend.

“This year’s package is not our best ever,” began the Brazilian. “That is due a bit to the car, a bit to the way we set it up and a bit to the tyres, so we can expect a difficult time this weekend. However, on the positive side, Ferrari has always been very strong at Suzuka.” Barrichello was quick to dispel the idea that tyre partner Bridgestone would have an easier time simply because this was its home grand prix. “We do not have a new type of tyre here,” explained Barrichello. “But we have tested a lot and we hope the tyres we have here will prove to be the right choice. Also the weather forecast says it could rain and that could make it a bit of a lottery.”

With two races left at Ferrari, Rubens admitted that he was beginning to look back at his time with the team. “Yes, we have had some great times together and coming here, I remember winning in 2003 and next week in China I will think of last year’s win, but I don’t want to take that emotion onto the track where it won’t be useful.”