Rubens: I'm in great shape

Barrichello: In great shape

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Rubens Barrichello says he is still as fit as a fiddle ahead of his 18th season in Formula One.

The veteran started his career way back in 1993 with Jordan and 17 years later he is still going strong.

And the 37-year-old Barrichello, who will make his Williams debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, believes he is in excellent physical conditions ahead of this weekend's race.

"I'm delighted to be entering my 18th season," he said. "I'm so motivated and I'm in a much better physical condition than I have been at any other time. I'm also really happy to be driving for Williams. I've settled in well, and I already feel like I've been here five years!"

Williams finished seventh in last year's Constructors' Championship, but Barrichello is confident the Grove-based outfit will be strong this season.

"We covered a lot of miles with the car during winter testing, working on reliability during the first few tests and then some upgrades for Bahrain at the final two," he said.

"In terms of set-up, reliability and drivability of the engine, we've done a good job. The car has improved a lot and the team have done well preparing me so I'm completely familiar with everything heading into the first race.

"I think we're strong, I'm optimistic, but it is very hard to draw a conclusion as to where we are so I'm going to wait and see. It's going to be a fantastic season with the new teams, the new drivers and the new regulations."

Barrichello's team-mate Nico Hulkenberg will make his F1 bow this weekend and the German admits he can't wait.

"Being a Formula One driver is a great feeling and I'm very excited about going to Bahrain," he said. "I learnt a lot as the team's test driver, which has prepared me well for the season ahead.

"Working in the factory has also helped give me more of a technical understanding of the car, it won't make me quicker, but it will help me with set-up."