13 May 2011

German GP, 30th July 2000, Hockenheimring

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello got his first-ever Formula One victory after taking part from 124 F1 races. Rubens qualified 18th on Saturday, just five minutes before the end of session. His team-mate Michael Schumacher was luckier in qualifying by setting the second fastest time in qualifying, splitting the two McLaren-Mercedes. The race would not last long for the German driver, who retired soon due to a first corner incident. Rubens stormed from behind and about half-race he was already third. His pit stops dropped him a couple of positions back, but the rain and a spectator who decided to take a stroll onto the track helped the Brazilian to get his maiden win; he kept out in the wet with dry tyres when everyone else decided to change to wets. His prowess in the wet was reminiscent of a certain Ayrton Senna's mastery of wet weather conditions, a thought that probably crossed Rubinho's mind judging by his display of emotion on the podium.
Ayrton was no doubt smiling down on him.


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