rpm.espn.com: User comments on Barrichello

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Thursday, December 6
User comments on Barrichello

Here's what users had to say about Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, his past season and his future prospects:

Barrichello is everything a Ferrari driver is expected to be in the "Schumacher Era." He is competent, consistent and affable. He scores a lot of points, which helps the cause for the Constructor's Championship. He does not tear up a lot of equipment, which makes the mechanics happy. He qualifies well, so he can be a blocker for Schumacher. And, he is great with the sponsors, as well as having a huge following in South America. This all adds up to somebody who has the best job in racing -- hands-down. He gets to drive for Ferrari in Formula One and he has almost nothing expected of him. Schumacher has all the pressure, he is expected to win 7-10 races each season and deliver a championship, but Rubens has no such pressure. He will score more wins when circumstances permit, but as long as he scores points, all will be well for "Binnho" (Rubens' Brazilian nickname).

Chris Cook
Las Vegas

Although I think there is no possible way Rubens could beat Michael Schumacher, if he is going to beat him he had better do it early. In Australia he needs to win the pole then win the race. But like I said, Michael is just too good and Rubens has virtually no prayer.

Adam Brown
Akron, Ohio

I think Rubens can improve on this year's results and challenge for the runner-up position again, but challenging Michael Schumacher is close to impossible. But he is not at Ferrari for being lucky, he did have a great 1999 season, which resulted in the Italian team's offer.

Nelson Lode Jr.
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Rubens should just be glad he has a primo ride with Ferrari. He knew when he signed that he'd be gettting Michae Schumacherl's "left overs." If he's going to beat Schumacher, he better start showing some real speed.

Duane Johnson
Torrance, Calif.

No one has what it takes to get by Schumi, except Juan Pablo Montoya. But other than Montoya, or perhaps Jean Alesi (sadly retired), I think Barrichello is a fine choice for Ferrari. Look at how well the team has done the last few years, and one has to surmise he has contributed to that success in some way. Only bad luck kept him from winning at Monza or Indianapolis, so he's got the goods to be in the second seat at the best and most legendary team on the planet.

Rich Ambroson
Menlo Park, Calif.

He's lucky to even be at Ferrari. It is good he feels he can beat Michael, othewise it would be a very long season for him. Realistically, he dosn't have a chance in hell. Yes, he could win if Michael breaks down, but in the same theory, the backmarkers also have a chance if some of the front runners break down. I think Ferarri needs to put a good young driver in Rubens' seat so he can be trained by the best (Michael) before he leaves. I think Nick Heidfeld would be a great candidate.

Denny Henck
Altoona, Pa.

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