 As a new era in Formula One competition starts, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to one of the drivers who contributed greatly to Scuderia Ferrari’s record-setting six FIA Formula One Constructors’ Championships during the first ten years of Shell’s renewed technical partnership with the Prancing Horse – Rubens Barrichello. Rubens joined the Scuderia Ferrari team for the 2000 season. One of the super fast boys from Brazil, Rubinho was often touted as a perfect team mate to match the talent and speed of Michael Schumacher. He was brought into the team following stints with Jordan F1 and Stewart Grand Prix, as the final piece in the World Championship-winning jigsaw. It was a decision the team would not regret. With his debut in the F2000, he clinched second on the grid just behind his team mate. The Ferrari dominated front row was the shape of things to come and as fans all over the world prepared to greet another Formula One season; they were witnessing the beginning of a new era. It was the same year, but this time in Hockenheim, where Rubens tearfully claimed his first Formula One victory. An adoring public flocked to the podium after the race, Rubens’ 11th with the Ferrari team. The win was made all the more significant considering the Brazilian drove from 18th on the grid, in the rain on slick tyres, to claim the status of a Formula One winner. Rubens went on to inherit the hopes and dreams of Brazil following the death of his mentor and friend, Ayrton Senna, in 1994. In the years that were to follow, the warm and emotional Brazilian battled against a ferocious struggle for the World Championship between 2000 and 2005. Rubens has been a relentless podium finisher and with nine Formula One wins now under his belt, his place as a top class Formula One driver is set in stone. The 2001 and 2002 seasons saw the Scuderia Ferrari driver grow in talent and mastery. In 2001, Rubens never failed to qualify outside of the top six. It was in front of the passionate Tifosi, at Ferrari’s home race in Monza, where the Brazilian nearly took his second victory. In the end, he settled for a fine second place, just one position higher than his standing in the World Championship for that year. The 2002 season got off to a storming start for the Shell-supported Ferrari team with another all-red front row for the opening race of the season in Melbourne. In comparison to 2001, this time it was Rubens on pole. The Brazilian was a full second and a half faster then Michael Schumacher’s pole position from the previous year’s race. The race was a precursor for the year that lay ahead in which Rubens thrashed all of his past records. He took four wins, amassed 77 Championship points and was on the podium at 10 of the 17 races. The season wrapped up with him taking an impressive second in the Drivers’ Championship, again headed only by his team mate, Michael Schumacher. The following season was a gruelling eight months for the Scuderia. Throughout the year they fought hard in defence of their two World Championship titles. Every point was hard-earned as it was not until the season finale in Japan that both titles were decided. It was a race where Rubens dominated to take the win and aid Ferrari in securing their its Constructors’ Championship. The 2004 season saw Rubens lay claim to two more wins, including the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix. The win cemented his name in history as the first driver to take a pole and a win at the new circuit in Shanghai. Rubens’ win was as popular as ever; especially considering it was his second in succession following a spectacular drive at Monza, giving Ferrari its seventh one-two of the season. As the Ferrari ace headed for sunnier climbs at the end of the season, it was with the knowledge he had yet again secured second in the Drivers’ Championship and helped the Italian team take a sixth successive Constructors’ crown. The nine-time race winner’s final year with Ferrari has had its ups and downs. The season opener in Australia saw him drive from 11th on the grid, following a washed-out qualifying session, to secure second place in a compromised F2004. He also graced the podium at Europe, Canada and the controversial US race. Rubens’ relationship with Shell during his time with the Italian marque has been one of trust and confidence. ‘It’s comforting to know that you’ve got the best behind you,’ he said. ‘I can concentrate on my driving knowing that in the car and in the garage is the best team in the world. Shell’s service is splendid. Precise, reliable and efficient. I don’t think the team could ask for more.’ Barrichello joins the BAR-Honda team for the 2006 season. A variety of factors influenced his decision. ‘A change always brings new motivation and I was impressed by BAR’s resources and people,’ commented Barrichello. ‘I also remembered what Ayrton (Senna) had told me about the people at Honda. It will also be good for them to have someone who is still young but with 13 years of experience.’ ‘I wish to thank Rubens for his contribution over the past few years, which has helped the Shell and Ferrari team to win five Constructors' Championships,’ commented Alberto Friedrich, Shell’s Global Sponsorship Manager.
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