Barrichello considers future

Rubens Barrichello, in action in practice in Budapest yesterday, is considering retirement.

Rubens Barrichello, Formula One's longest serving driver and the oldest man on the grid, is starting to have doubts about his future in the sport. "Next season is too far away. I love the sport, I've been doing this for 17 years," the 37-year-old Brawn GP driver said at the Hungarian Grand Prix when asked about his future.

"Ninety five per cent of my feelings are to keep on, I love this, I have a lot of speed in myself," he added. "But five per cent tells me 'why do you need this?' "It's something that bears on my mind, even though it's only five per cent." Barrichello has started more races than any driver since the championship began in 1950, with Sunday's race at the Hungaroring his 278th start according to statistician Jacques Deschenaux.

The Brazilian has won nine times, with his last victory coming in China with the Ferrari team in 2004. He is fourth in this year's championship with four podium finishes, but he has yet to achieve a win, while teammate Jenson Button has triumphed six times to lead the championship and open up a 21-point lead in the title race. Barrichello was seventh quickest in yesterday's practice for tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix.

World champion Lewis Hamilton was quickest, clocking a time of 1min 22.079secs around the Hungaroring circuit in his McLaren-Mercedes. Qualifying takes place today from 4pm. * With agencies