Bengaluru: Rubens Barrichello holds the record for the most number of race appearances — 326. Anyone who’s watched BBC’s Top Gear would also know him as the first F1 driver to beat Stig’s time in a
Bengaluru: Rubens Barrichello holds the record for the most number of race appearances — 326. Anyone who’s watched BBC’s Top Gear would also know him as the first F1 driver to beat Stig’s time in a reasonably priced car. Unfortunately, despite his spectacular achievements, he is forever remembered as Michael Schumacher’s teammate. 25 greatest Formula One drivers ever Barrichello, has perhaps, the opportunity to set the record straight. It has been rumoured that he may make a comeback in 2014, driving for Sauber. While 2013's Sauber is a waste of fuel, the 2012's Sauber was a reasonably spectacular vehicle compared to the mid field. 2014 might be the year they get it right again. When his former teammate, the seven-time world champion, Schumacher failed to make a successful comeback, Barrichello, if he manages to make a successful re-entry to the sport, will silence the haters and the doubters. But should Barrichello even try If a seven-time world champion struggled to get comfortable in the car, will his teammate fare better Both drivers were at their prime when refuelling was still part of a pitstop and tyrewear was the last thing in their mind. When Schumacher returned, things had changed drastically. 2014 sees perhaps the largest shift in rules and regulations in recent years with the V6 engines replacing V8s, ERS replacing KERS and fuel being capped. This means Barrichello will be making a comeback to a sport very different from what it was when he raced. Another thing for Rubens to look into is his reputation. He was generally respected and some even considered him unlucky for not having a championship to his name (since he was Schumi’s team mate and Ferrari is notorious for playing favourites). When he makes a comeback, he is teamed up with a rookie. If Barrichello endures the fate of Schumacher and gets outperformed by a rookie throughout the season, whatever respect he has earned will be lost. But strictly as a fan, I would love to see Barrichello compete in 2014, be it in Sauber or any other team. If he does compete, he will finally be the No 1 driver as he most deservedly should be. With rumours of his driving for Sauber as soon as at Interlagos this year, we might see him sooner than we expected. If he does make a comeback, we will have yet another driver worthy of the Driver’s Championship on the grid, even if it may be beyond his reach sitting in a Sauber.
