Post by Yanden on Jun 16, 2003 8:43:14 GMT -5
Rubens Barrichello is on his way from sunny Florida to head north for the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, round eight and the event that marks the halfway point of the 2003 season. The Brazilian driver has thoroughly enjoyed his break after the Monaco Grand Prix, the Miami “holiday” has become something of a pre-Montreal tradition.
“My father was there with me for the last race in Monaco and even though that race did not go according to plan, the two of us had some fun; father and son together for a change. Miami was a great break for me with my family, who have now returned to Monaco,” said the Brazilian. “My Brazilian racing drivers friends were all competing in the Indy Racing League when I arrived in the States, but I met up with some of them briefly before heading for Canada.”
The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver enjoys this race, where he has twice finished second and in the 2002 race, he was leading from the very first lap, despite having started from the second row however he crossed the line in third place due to the appearance of the safety car.
“Last year, I finished third in Montreal, when the Safety Car interfered slightly with my two-stop strategy,” he recalled.“It is an unusual circuit and although it has some similarities with the last round in Monaco, as it is not a permanent track, the barriers are very close and it is located in a city, it has a completely different atmosphere. It is very relaxed compared to Monaco and that makes a nice change.”
The other contrast with the last round of the championship is that there are usually several changes of order at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Not one passing manoeuvre, apart from on the first lap took place on the Monaco streets, all changes for the lead occurring due to pit stops.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the other hand has several overtaking opportunities causing excitement for the fans as they watch their heroes do what they do best, race!
“I actually like the track and I think it gives the fans plenty of excitement as there are good opportunities to overtake,” added Rubens. “The Canadian fans are really enthusiastic and there is a very big Italian contingent cheering us on. I always get a great reception here which is a boost.”
This will be Barrichello’s eleventh Canadian GP, so he is well placed to comment on the track’s idiosyncrasies, but it is not just the racing that Barrichello is looking forward to this weekend…
“As for the circuit itself, the car set-up has to be a compromise here as the straights are very fast, but most of the corners, including a couple of hairpins, are quite slow,” he explains. “The driver is always kept busy and the layout of the track means it is tough on tyres and brakes as well. Generally, it has a reputation as something of a car breaker, but I can face the weekend with confidence, given that the F2003-GA is proving reliable and the new aero package produced good results in the Monza test. Montreal is a great city, even though I don’t get much of a chance to visit, until Monday after the race, when shopping is usually on the agenda!”
“My father was there with me for the last race in Monaco and even though that race did not go according to plan, the two of us had some fun; father and son together for a change. Miami was a great break for me with my family, who have now returned to Monaco,” said the Brazilian. “My Brazilian racing drivers friends were all competing in the Indy Racing League when I arrived in the States, but I met up with some of them briefly before heading for Canada.”
The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver enjoys this race, where he has twice finished second and in the 2002 race, he was leading from the very first lap, despite having started from the second row however he crossed the line in third place due to the appearance of the safety car.
“Last year, I finished third in Montreal, when the Safety Car interfered slightly with my two-stop strategy,” he recalled.“It is an unusual circuit and although it has some similarities with the last round in Monaco, as it is not a permanent track, the barriers are very close and it is located in a city, it has a completely different atmosphere. It is very relaxed compared to Monaco and that makes a nice change.”
The other contrast with the last round of the championship is that there are usually several changes of order at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Not one passing manoeuvre, apart from on the first lap took place on the Monaco streets, all changes for the lead occurring due to pit stops.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on the other hand has several overtaking opportunities causing excitement for the fans as they watch their heroes do what they do best, race!
“I actually like the track and I think it gives the fans plenty of excitement as there are good opportunities to overtake,” added Rubens. “The Canadian fans are really enthusiastic and there is a very big Italian contingent cheering us on. I always get a great reception here which is a boost.”
This will be Barrichello’s eleventh Canadian GP, so he is well placed to comment on the track’s idiosyncrasies, but it is not just the racing that Barrichello is looking forward to this weekend…
“As for the circuit itself, the car set-up has to be a compromise here as the straights are very fast, but most of the corners, including a couple of hairpins, are quite slow,” he explains. “The driver is always kept busy and the layout of the track means it is tough on tyres and brakes as well. Generally, it has a reputation as something of a car breaker, but I can face the weekend with confidence, given that the F2003-GA is proving reliable and the new aero package produced good results in the Monza test. Montreal is a great city, even though I don’t get much of a chance to visit, until Monday after the race, when shopping is usually on the agenda!”