Stunning News: Barrichello To BAR!
Written by George Katinger · August 16, 2005
Whoda thunk it, racing fans. Rubens Barrichello has been publicly acknowledged (finaly) as the newest BAR driver. No doubt this is causing severe angst in the sleeping habits of Sato and what’s his name, Button?
barhondaf1.com: Rubens Barrichello to join B.A.R Honda for 2006 and beyond
Yeah, I say “what’s his name” in reference to Button because just after the door slams behind him for the last time, that’s what the team will be saying, only in the past tense as in “What was his name”? I think Lynrd Skynrd made a song out of that phrase. Oh well.
But can there be a better fit for BAR honda than Rubens? I think not, he brings a winners attitude and a strong desire to beat you know who as well as win a title. There can be little doubt that with this signing BAR are writing off any effort to save Jenson-baby from the fate of his own making. They may rid themselves of Sato eventually, but Barrichello’s signing can only mean there is no hope of Button returning in ‘06.
I can say that with such certainty because I don’t think Rubens would have baled from Ferrari so quickly without the clear understanding that he would be the No. 1 shoe in the team. I’m sure if he waited other opportunities at Williams or even Toyota may have appeared, but credit him with taking the best seat available at the time. Working with old friend Gil deFerran I’m sure was also a big factor in the signing.
My remaining question, is there any chance that Rubens will be released early and catch any races in the BAR Honda? Alongside Jenson? How sweet would that be?!?
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Sorry George,if Rubens wishes to win the world championship he should be staying at Ferrari not going to BAR a team who since entering F1 have had but one competitive season. It would appear 2006 will be Schumacher’s last season & his replacement for 2007 will be either a Finn or a Spaniard. Remaining in place would put Rubens in the pound seats for a shot at the title in 2007; his new team mate will not be receiving anything like the same “absolute number one status” the scuderia affords Schumacher.
If he has been able to tolerate playing second fiddle for six seasons, he can bare the burden (& the salary) for another year. The likelihood of Ferrari producing a championship contender for 2007 is far greater than Honda being a front runner in two season’s time. Rubens has never seemed to understand the approach taken by Eddie Irvine; to being employed as a slave to the prancing horse’s chosen one. Drive to the best of your ability, collect the points, collect your pay cheque & then leverage yourself to a major manufacturer at a ridiculous retainer. If it’s the title he wants he should stay put & shut up, alternatively grab his resume & hit up an energy drink manufacturer with deep pockets. Rubens F1 world Champion in 2007 with BAR? PLEASE! He has had his chances & is now just a very solid No.2, capable of bringing the car home & scoring points.BAR naively believe that he will bring a wealth of Ferrari know how to the team for them to copy, if only F1 were that simple
In a sport where cash is king, I think Ferrari may be reaching the end of their resources. With Marlboro on the way out in spite of the Italian loophole, Fiat reeling and Bridgestone no longer competitive, and MOST importantly, the key players lining up to retire or move on, they are in deep trouble. If any team in the paddock is capable of rebounding surely it’s the Scuderia, but lacking cash and talent it will be difficult.
Rubens moving is his recognizing that he would always be No. 2 at Ferrari. The ideal seat would be going to McLaren or Renault, but both those options are closed.
With those circumstances where could he have done better? If you have any ambition BESIDES being a high priced slave, he took the best option. Obviously there are no guarantees in any competition, but with Honda owning the team outright (shortly) they will make the all out effort for victory. If Rubens can get their first win and help improve the team he can be there long after ‘07, and hopefully get a driver’s title. Especially if McLaren continue to sacrifice reliability for outright speed and Briatore continues to mismanage Renault.
The big unknowns in any guessing game are the new engine/chasis regs for next season and beyond. It will thoroughly mix up the possibilities, but Rubens and Honda will do well. How well is the question.
It doesn’t matter who’s foot’s on the throttle - the Honda’s still going to “BANG!” 50% of the time.
Re: Rubins …
Let’s make sure that we don’t forget that 2006 will be the year of the V-8. So, if you were Rubins, who, other than Mercedes, where there is no room for him, has the technology and resources to build the most competitive V-8? It couldn’t be Honda, could it?
John
Honda AND Cosworth. But Ferrari also build V8’s. I really don’t think down sizing a V10 to a V8 is all that challenging. Certainly prior experience and existing data bases will provide some edge, but not to the point where it will mean the difference between winning and losing races. And Mercedes have proven they can grenade engines regardless of cylinder counts!
It may be a good time to make the jump.
Honda still blowing 50% of the time? please, two engine failures this year in the second race, since then , there has been zero reliability issues with the Honda engine. You should take a closer look at Mercedes Engines as regards to failures this year. Honda’s V10’s are currently running at about 970 HP and having no troubles , they plan to reach 1000 Hp for Beijing , they were also the first team to test their new V8 at mugello back in hmmm march. Next year will be the year of Honda. Maybe not a title, but definitely race wins.