Barrichello's tyre warning
Rubens Barrichello has echoed the warnings of several Formula 1 drivers, including BAR-Honda's Anthony Davidson and Williams candidate Antonio Pizzonia, by maintaining that tyre conservation will be key to winning races this season
The Ferrari star, speaking at the team's pre-season press conference at the Madonna Di Campiglio ski resort in Italy, joined a growing list of key F1 figures who consider new rules requiring drivers to use a single set of tyres during a race, could be the single biggest change in the raft of new regulations to be introduced this season.
"We shall have to learn how to deal with this rule," he said. "One thing is for sure - we won't be able to drive like last year. If you flatten out a tyre you are practically dead.
"Races will need to be handled in the head as well as feet in 2005."
Toyota's technical director Mike Gascoyne said at the launch of the TF105 on Saturday that this rule could play into Ferrari's hands, and particulary Michael Schumacher's: "The drivers who are able to look after the tyres best are the ones who will succeed most next year. Ralf Schumacher is very good at that but so is Michael."
On the subject of the seven-time world champion, Barrichello repeated his belief that he can beat Schumacher to the title in the right circumstances.
"It doesn't matter what number is on my car," he said of his continued role as number two in the team. "What counts is what number I aim to have on my car and for the next season I want it be number one.
"I'm here and I am fully committed. If one day I start thinking that I will never be able to beat Michael for sure I will not stay in F1 - but I still have the motivation.
"I have to keep my right foot down and be calm like I was in Brazil, I want to drive the car, I have got a great team behind me and Ferrari give us the same car and same support."
Previous article
BRDC Chairman Bellm Voted Out
Next article
Webber Still Quickest, Gene Crashes - Day Three
The squandered potential of a 70s F1 underdog
A podium finisher in its first outing but then never again, the BRM P201 was a classic case of an opportunity squandered by disorganisation and complacency, says STUART CODLING
The other notable Monza escape that F1 should learn from
OPINION: The headlines were dominated by the Italian Grand Prix crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who had the halo to thank for avoiding potentially serious injury. But two days earlier, Formula 1 had a lucky escape with a Monza pitlane incident that could also have had grave consequences
How Monza only added more questions to F1's sprint race conundrum
With two sprint races under its belt, Formula 1 must now consider its options for them going forward. While they've helped deliver exciting racing on Sundays, the sprints themselves have been somewhat lacking - creating yet another conundrum for F1 to solve...
Who should Alfa Romeo sign for 2022's F1 season?
OPINION: With Valtteri Bottas already signed up for 2022, all eyes are on the race for the second seat at Alfa Romeo next year. Antonio Giovinazzi is the current incumbent, but faces a tough competition from appealing short and long-term prospects
The "forced break" that was key to Ricciardo's Monza excellence
OPINION: Daniel Ricciardo has long been considered one of Formula 1’s elite drivers. But his struggles at McLaren since switching from Renault for 2021 have been painful to watch at times. Yet he’s recovered to banish those memories with a famous Monza win – built on a critically important foundation
How Verstappen is ruining his F1 title battle with Hamilton
OPINION: The Italian GP clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen followed a running theme in the 2021 Formula 1 title fight. Their close-quarters battles have often resulted in contact - and although Hamilton has shown a willingness to back off, Verstappen must learn to temper his aggression
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Two drivers produced maximum-score performances as, for the second year in a row, Monza threw up an unpredictable result that left several others ruing what might have been
Why Ricciardo was set for Monza F1 triumph even without Verstappen/Hamilton crash
The clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was the major flashpoint the 2021 Italian Grand Prix will be remembered for. Yet by this point, race leader Daniel Ricciardo had already done the hard work that would put him in position to end his and McLaren's lengthy win droughts, on a memorable afternoon in Monza
