Barrichello retirement?

[Wizzo]

Rubens Barrichello has acknowledged that retirement from formula one is 'closer than ever'.

Behind Michael Schumacher, the 34-year-old Brazilian is the most experienced driver on today's grid, and with nearly 230 Grand Prix is third on the list of most experienced of all time.

But Barrichello, who joined Honda this year after six years at Ferrari, admitted that he is not likely to trouble Riccardo Patrese's all-time record of 256 race starts.

That gives him less than two seasons left in F1.

[Wizzo]

Barrichello announced on his personal website that he does not intend to retire after the 2007 season.

"In the midst of all this hard work [to improve Honda's car], I suddenly come across news of my own retirement - give me a break!," Barrichello wrote on his weekly column.

"I think I've never driven this well nor been this happy, so retirement is something to think of only way, way ahead."