Barrichello to mark record in Turkey

Rubens Barrichello has earmarked the Turkish Grand Prix as the race during which he will celebrate his 257th Formula One GP.


Barrichello made his F1 debut way back in 1993 at the South African Grand Prix, but nobody is quite sure when exactly he will hit the 257 mark.


Some suggest Barrichello has contested 253 starts while others claim he has only made 252 starts.


Riccardo Patrese, with 256 races behind his name, currently holds the record of F1's most experienced driver.


The Brazilian believes he will pass Patrese record in Turkey, and his Honda team will celebrate the occasion on May 11.


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


"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."


Rubens Barrichello F1 Highlights (as of Bahrain GP 2008):
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 Starts: 255
Grand Prix Points: 519