While we do know that the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix will be the final race for Red Bull Racer David Coulthard, there is another veteran driver whose future is not so clear, Honda Racing’s Rubens Barrichello. Heading into his home race this weekend, the Brazilian driver has expressed his desire to stay in the series, but has admitted that for now, everything is still on hold.

Rubens, your thoughts about the World Championship?

I think it has been an exciting year. It had its ups and downs but they have been fighting for a long period in quite good battles and I think it is going to be a very good ending. It is just like DC said, Lewis has the upperhand. Sunday, as far as I can see, it can be a wet day, so I think it is going to be really nice for the Brazilians to see how things come out. Thankfully, Felipe, as I have said before, has great chances to win the race which the Brazilians are really hopeful for. It is the only thing he can aim for. He has to win the race and not worry too much about the rest and see what the rest is. As a Brazilian I am really proud that we have the decision once again here as I think Brazilians deserve that.

What about your own future? This is your 16th Brazilian Grand Prix.

I am really proud to be here. It used to be a tough race for me at the beginning, when we lost Ayrton and so on. It was tough with lots of pressure and not a good car. But I have done really well to do just like soccer, when you play at home you play better. I have a wonderful time but the week goes past so quickly now and it is an enjoyment, lots of work but it is really nice to be here, especially for me as I was born just 100 metres away from the main door here and for me it is the best race of the whole year.

And your career next year?

It is on hold, obviously. I don’t want to stop. I won’t stop because I think I deserve better. I am driving better than I used to when I finished second in the championship behind Michael. The aim is not to stop. The job done this year has been quite good. If it wasn’t for minor problems I think I would have more than 20 points with a car we can see is not good at all. What I have been telling people is that I cannot sell the experience or the speed as that is a proven point. They see that and they see all the statistics. But what I can sell is my motivation. I am very honest with myself and the day I feel that I don’t have it anymore is the day I will stop, but up until now I have been driving better than ever. It is on hold as Honda wants to try some other people, test them in Barcelona. To be very honest I think they try to change the destiny of things as if they want to win by next year they need someone who is very experienced with my qualities to do it. But I am on hold. I am hopeful. I am talking to other teams as well, so hopefully it will be fine.

I would like to ask you your opinion about Felipe and what do you think about his mission impossible this weekend?

I think he’s had a fantastic year because after three races, if we remember, especially from our Italian friends, you guys wanted to change him because he had zero points and we all knew that he could win races and be fighting for the championship and it was what he did. He won two consecutive races and he was back into the championship. So I think for someone to do that, it means that you need to be mentally prepared to go through the bad phases and learn, so I think he’s done superbly and he comes to this final race in the same position as Kimi last year. It is a mission impossible but, like I said before, he has to win the race to have any chance and that’s what he has to aim for. I don’t think he has to go thinking of championships or things like that. He has to race just like any other race.

I know you’ve been asked about this loads and loads of times during this week but now since you’re all together and you’re just behind the contenders, I would like to know whether you’re willing to do something to help Felipe Massa in this race, or if this is not an issue for you?

I think he can help me with some power in my car or something. I don’t think I can help him much, unfortunately. I would be willing to get some help from him, amazingly. Or the blue flag maybe. I don’t think it’s an issue at all, I think the Brazilians are very well prepared in the way that all I would ask of the guys who come here to cheer Felipe on is to respect Lewis. I think Brazil can do that quite well and I don’t think it’s an issue. Imagine me doing something against Lewis; would Felipe be happy with that? Would he be a worthy champion? I don’t think so. I think the guys have fought the whole championship by themselves and that’s the way it has to be. I would not get in the way.