For the final time in his career, Rubens Barrichello took part in his usual Thursday afternoon meeting with the media, dressed in Ferrari red, outside the team’s office on stilts in the Shanghai paddock. “I do not feel any particular emotion at the moment, but I am sure that will be different on Sunday,” said the Brazilian. “Standing on the podium here last year, alongside Luca di Montezemolo was one of the best moments of my career,” recalled the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver. “In fact, Montezemolo does not come to the race track very often but has often been there for important moments for me, like my first pole at Silverstone and my wins in Monza and China.

But although I say Sunday will be emotional, it is not sad, because I have now chosen a different path after six years with Ferrari. I remember as though it was yesterday the first day I came to the Fiorano track and saw my name on the side of the car. It was snowing and I had to wait for the snow to melt from the track before I could drive. That was a memory I will keep for ever, as I will also remember the warmth of the crowd, which I will miss especially at Imola and Monza and I also recall the smiles of my mechanics when I got a good result for them.”

Barrichello pointed out that Ferrari was not very successful in his early days there. “I arrived when it was having a difficult time and I am proud to have contributed to its growth.” Asked to pick out his worse moment with the team, he replied: “That would be the time I ran out of fuel while leading in Brazil,” he said, referring to the 2003 race. “That still sticks in my throat.”

The Jordan name disappears from F1 this Sunday, as the team will be called Midland next year. “I will remember Eddie Jordan for all the laughter we had together,” said Rubens of the team boss who brought him into F1. “Gary Anderson (the team’s technical director at the time) was fundamental to my growing up as a driver and I remember the mechanics were all very good and hard working. It is sad to see the name go, but that is the way of the world now, not just in F1.” With the season coming to a close, Barrichello’s last official function for the Scuderia will be the Ferrari World Finals at Mugello next weekend. After that, he is planning a special final farewell at Fiorano. “I am bringing all my family to Fiorano to take them out in the 3-seater F1 car. That will be my bye bye to Ferrari.”