RUBINHO!!!

[Nuvolari]

Your attitude, in my humble opinion, is appalling, Peter.

Seems to me a tough racer did win at Hockenheim. That he doesn't react like a robot . . . that he has deep feelings for his sport, a fellow countryman and fallen idol are all the more to his credit.

I'll take "emotional ninnies" like Rubinho on my team any day.

[Peter Mallett]

People can think what they like about my attitude. It doesn't change my opinion. And wishing to see people take pride in their achievements (without resorting to associating themselves with the past glories of others) is, to me, not appalling.

Also. I haven't complained about MH being an automaton. In fact I said that when he speaks his own language, he's very animated. BTW. When I try to speak dutch (I am currently working in Holland) my colleagues tell me that I can be understood very well. However, I'm never really sure so I tend to hesitate.

I have already added my congratulations to RB on his first win. I just hope he keeps it up. Its what he's paid to do after all.

I still think he should have screamed his abilities from the rooftops, rather than dedicate the win to Senna.

The one real pleasure about a TGF win is the sheer joy on the guy's face. He doesn't need to excuse his abilities to anyone. And I'm not a TGF fan either.

[downforce]

yep, Schuey's emotions on the top step are a delight to watch altho i understand that it has a pulverising effect on the "anti-schumis".
Well done RB.
The 'slick' job was very schumacher-like.

[TimD]

Yep, Pete, I take your point.

Having checked back, I concede it was you who was defending Mika's perceived lack of fluency.

But I still feel Rubens' deportment on the podium increased his stature for me. And while every successful team deserves total credit, isn't it nice to have something new to mull over rather than the usual "I'd like to thank my sponsors, the team did a great job, my team mate loves me, my kids are wonderful, the sky is blue...." and other post-race statements of the obvious.

Heck, it could be worse, we could have had to listen to a certain successful NASCAR driver praising his maker for making him faster than all the heathens in the race....

[Danielsun]

WHAT A BLOODY FANTASTIC RACE!!

Half of the Ten-Tenths gang were at Donington for the BTCC yesterday, but someone was good enough to bring along a portable TV for the GP viewing. So there we all were, sitting on the hill above the Old Hairpin, airhorns blasting amid much shouting and cheering for Rubens as he crossed the line - we must've been almost as loud as the Germans at Hockenheim. Only the firecrackers were not present...

As for the noise when Scum departed at the first corner, well, that was more a case of air horns and huge, bellowing laughter that totally precluded us from watching the racing in front of us!!

Another strange thing that I remarked upon was that this race was the first time I've ever heard Murray Walker drowned out by the noise of racing car engines!! The fact that we were at another track may have had a bearing on this, however!!

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by TimD


But I still feel Rubens' deportment on the podium increased his stature for me. And while every successful team deserves total credit, isn't it nice to have something new to mull over rather than the usual "I'd like to thank my sponsors, the team did a great job, my team mate loves me, my kids are wonderful, the sky is blue...." and other post-race statements of the obvious.

Heck, it could be worse, ....

I agree, he has given us something else to talk about, and that's what we're doing. However, I don't recall Mansell, Senna, Hill (G & D), Moss, Prost or anyone, other than some of the current drivers, dedicating their hard earned wins to somebody who was at best an inspiration. I know Senna was the first on the scene at RB's Imola crash. I know Senna was the inspiration for RB to race. However, it was RB driving and winning not Senna.

Mind you. Those recored anthems are enough to make anybody cry.

[Ralf's Girl]

Well, Damon dedicated his first win to the Hill family, 'whether you're past, present or future', and his last win for Williams to the team for their four years of providing him with a good car. But I think it was to be expected that Rubens would dedicate his first win to Senna.

[Nuvolari]

Can't get a handle on the depth of your animosity here, Peter. In the end, it was Rubinho's long-sought -- and very hard-won -- first victory.

Let him dedicate it to whomever he damn well pleases and stop belittling his gesture.

[EERO]

Peter, I usually agree with you, but in this case, I think you are being a hardass.

Whatever inspiration someone receives is relevant to him alone. I agree with you that it was Rubens Barrichello who won that race yesterday and that he should take pride in his efforts. Perhaps some people are uncomfortable beating their own chests-its unseemly.

If Barrichello chooses to dedicte his victory to HIS hero and inspiration, that is his choice. Also, I think a distinction can be drawn between dedicating a Victory to the Memory of one's Hero and ascribing that Victory to that Hero's influence; I don't believe that Rubens credited Senna with his Victory.

[Liz]

Remember that Rubens came very close to dying the same weekend as Senna died; and that when he regained consciousness, Senna's was the first face he saw by his bedside.

Also remember that Brazil fully expected Rubens (who was I think just barely 21) to pick up the mantle of their fallen God and start right where he left off - and that it very nearly ruined Rubens' life, far less his career, trying to live up to the combined hopes of a country a good bit bigger and more motorsport-rabid than England.

Perhaps by dedicating this race to Senna, Rubens was not only honoring a dear friend and inspiration, but laying the ghosts that had haunted him since that day.

But whatever he was doing, he was not doing it for the benefit of Peter Mallett, and I am sure that in his deepest heart he doesn't give a flying damn whether you think it is seemly or not.

Bless the boy for being honest in his emotions.

P.S. He's not responding as if he were British, so he's no good? Please!

[Peter Mallett]

Yep, I am being a hardass. I'm entitled to be however I want. You want tears on the podium? OK then, but I want to see celebration of achievement. Yes, it was hard earned. Yes, it was very well won. I just fell about laughing when he burst into tears. Sorry folks but that's my opinion. I don't expect anybody to agree with me but hey ho.

(This message is dedicated to Toshiba, who have provided so much assistance and encouragement to me during this very hard topic. )

BTW. Its not animosity. Its just a feeling of disappiontment that we have to find an excuse for our achievements. It was RB who won. It was a great race. It was spoiled for me because of the previously mentioned actions.

[Cameron]

I think when you have waited as long as Rubens has for gtting on that podium he had every right to be emotional.

I to would like to add my congratulations to him on a race won well and not gifted. Great drive from a really nice person.

I wish him well.

[Minardi fan]

Just a shame he couldn't have driven like that for the rest of the season...

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by Minardi fan
Just a shame he couldn't have driven like that for the rest of the season...

Oh dear. I think we are agreeing with each other again MF!! Sorry, but I'm becoming all emotional. *choke*

[R]

Watch him now. After this win, he'll be getting plenty of confidence. One more ten seconds race by TGF and another win for Rubens and they're on equal points.

[Peter Mallett]

Well. After the race on Sunday I caught some of the Raiuno coverage. I don't profess to understand Italian but it was apparent to me that they were not impressed with Mickey-the-Shoe.

However, I expect RB to revert to his usual lacklustre performance at the next race and allow the Silver Arrows to pressurise the Ferrari No 01.

OTOH, if he really gets stuck in he could become a force in this year's championship.

[Minardi fan]

Barrichello needs to pull his finger out EVERY weekend, not just once a season. It also needs to be remembered that Frentzen put in an equally stunning, perhaps better given the car, performance at the weekend.

Don't start praising Rubens too much yet.