Race focus remains the same for Barrichello
By Greig Murray
July 27 2002
Michael Schumacher winning the 2002 title so early has not changed the way the German races and not will it affect the way Rubens Barrichello tackles each race weekend from now till the end of the season.
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With the 2002 driver’s title being all done and dusted many feel that things will change in the way Ferrari operate but this is not so according to Rubens Barrichello. With Michael Schumacher wrapping things up at such an early stage will not change the way Barrichello focuses on each race.
“The fact Michael has already won won’t the way I tackle the races. It might seem like that from the outside, but it is not the case,” said Rubens. “I have always been free to race and I will give it my best shot as usual. I am here to enjoy myself and to try and win by getting the most out of the car. Michael and I have had a great championship. I had some tough moments, but I still reckon this has been my best season ever. On Sunday, we will both be trying to win and we will have to wait and see what happens. It is bound to be a good battle.”
However focus within the team is aimed purely at aiding Rubens in his quest to score maximum points in the remainder of the season and to hopefully see him finish second behind Michael in the final standings. A fact that is backed up by the team giving him use of the spare car for the remainder of the season, but the Brazilian really hopes he does not have to use the spare car!
“I am pleased about that (using the spare car) and will do my utmost to get the best possible result. The spare car is an extra, because you only need to use it when you have a problem.”
The drivers have been pleasantly surprised by the new look Hockenheim and Barrichello is another of those who has taken to the new track layout despite the bumps! Rubens however will not miss the dangerous moments that this track offered when it was raining.
“I like the new track layout, even if the surface is a bit uneven,” remarked Barrichello. “I miss the old track a bit but only in the way one regrets all things that have gone, like the old Interlagos circuit. However, the old track could be pretty dangerous in the wet, because of the trees very near the edge of the track.”
Friday free practice ended very well for Rubens who completed 49 laps on his way to the second fastest time of the day. Ferrari led the way throughout the day but as the sessions came to an end McLaren got very close to splitting the Ferrari duo at the front and Barrichello expects another tough qualifying session on Saturday afternoon.
“For tomorrow’s qualifying, I expect the usual battle for pole and I also think the race will be very close. The McLarens went very well in the French Grand Prix and so we will have to keep our eye on them, although I expect the Williams to be even stronger, at least in qualifying.”
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