In this coming Turkish grand prix, a landmark will be reached in this race. Rubens Barrichello will become the most experienced driver in Formula 1 with 257 Grand Prix starts, surpassing Riccardo Patrese’s record of 256.
The 35 year-old from São Paulo, Brazil has been in Formula 1 for 15 years and has won 9 Grand Prixs and been on the podium 61 times with 13 poles, 16 fastest laps and 519 career points in what has been an up-and-down career for the plucky Brazilian.
He started his career with Jordan in 1993 and continued there until 1996. His first year at the team turned out to be a very effective rookie year for him.He made a big impression in his 3rd Grand Prix, running as high as 2nd before retiring, and outpacing his three team-mates that season, Ivan Capelli, Thierry Boutsen and Eddie Irvine. He scored a 5th place at the Japanese Grand Prix in is only points finish that season.
1994 started well for Rubens with a 4th and 3rd place in the first two races. However, at the disastrous San Marino Grand Prix, Rubens was involved in a high-speed accident during Friday’s practice.
In 2000, Barrichello secured his first Formula 1 win at the German Grand Prix and was consistent with scoring points and podium finishes, but he was often outclassed by the two McLarens and his team-mate Michael Schumacher. He was a reliable number two as he helped Schumi to the world title, beating Mika Hakkinen.
From 2002 to 2004, Barrichello was a consistent podium finisher and race winner, and in these three years he finished runner-up to Schumacher in the driver’s championship and contributed to Ferrari’s increasing dominance of the Constructers’ title.
Null points were the order of the day in 2007 as Barrichello endured a torrid season as he struggled with an uncompetitive car. His best result was a 9th place as he finished 20th in the drivers’ table. However, he pledged another year to Honda in the process.
Well done Rubinho!
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