Zoom Set to become most experienced racer of all time

The 2008 Formula One season marks a historic milestone for Rubens Barrichello. Following a long and distinguished career, which began at the 1993 South African Grand Prix, Barrichello will become the most experienced Formula One driver of all time, surpassing the current record of 256 Grand Prix set by Riccardo Patrese in 1993.

In view of the lack of consensus regarding which specific race marks Rubens' 257th Grand Prix, Barrichello will celebrate the milestone of 257 Grand Prix appearances at the Turkish Grand Prix on 11 May 2008.

Heading into this race, Rubens will have 16 seasons of competition at the pinnacle of motorsport under his belt, in which he has achieved nine race wins, 61 podiums and 13 pole positions. As a result of an accident in Friday qualifying, Rubens did not qualify or race at San Marino in 1994, however he did line up on the grid in Belgium in 1998 and in Spain and France in 2002, despite encountering difficulties which then prevented him from taking part in these races.

Barrichello began his Formula One career with the Jordan team at the South African Grand Prix on 14 March 1993, racing against such legends as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. He spent four years with Jordan before moving to Stewart Grand Prix for the 1997 season. After three years with Stewart, Barrichello joined Ferrari in 2000 to partner Michael Schumacher and begin his association with Honda Team Principal Ross Brawn, then Technical Director at the Ferrari team. Barrichello spent six years at Ferrari, achieving nine Grand Prix wins and helping the team to five Constructors' Championships.

In 2006, Barrichello joined Honda where he has enjoyed a three-year partnership with Jenson Button and has recently been 'reunited' with Ross Brawn, who joined Honda as Team Principal in November 2007.

Rubens Barrichello F1 Highlights

Grand Prix Debut: Kyalami, South Africa, 1993

Best World Championship Position: 2nd in 2002 & 2004

First Grand Prix Win: Hockenheim, Germany, 2000

Grand Prix Wins: 9

Podiums: 61

Pole Positions: 13

Grand Prix Points: 519

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: Honda