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Formula One: Stewart-Ford Racing News, Best Wishes to Barrichello

7 September 1999

The Stewart-Ford team sent a message of goodwill to Rubens Barrichello today following his decision to join Ferrari for the 2000 FIA Formula One Championship season.

Barrichello joined the fledgling team from Jordan for the 1997 season and has been the mainstay of the driver line-up since. He has built up a solid working relationship with the team's engineering and design team and his input was invaluable in the design of this year's car - the Stewart-Ford SF-3.

Jackie Stewart, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: ' We're sad to see Rubens go. In the three years we have been together he has developed tremendously as a racing driver. He has gone about his business in a professional manner and delivered well for the team. He recorded our first podium finish (Monaco, 1997) and our first pole position (France, 1999) and he has scored two further podiums this season. I wish him all the best in his new endeavour.'

Martin Whitaker, Director, Ford Racing, Europe added: 'Rubens has played an important role in the development of the Stewart-Ford team and his commitment throughout has been exemplary. Everybody at Ford would like to thank him for everything he has done and we all wish him the best for the future.'

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