Throughout a glittering System 1 profession that for a few years made him probably the most skilled driver ever, Rubens Barrichello loved a particular affinity for Monza.
Three of his 11 victories got here within the Italian Grand Prix, making it statistically his most profitable circuit. After all, it helped that the Brazilian’s triumphs in 2002 and 2004 got here whereas adorning the scarlet overalls of Ferrari.
Twenty years on from main team-mate Michael Schumacher in a 1-2 aboard the all-conquering F2004, Barrichello will return to the observe the place he received his ultimate Grand Prix for Brawn in 2009 when he races a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 within the Worldwide GT Open championship. However the location alone is not the one level of significance for the 52-year-old, who received his home Inventory Automobile title for a second time in 2022.
What’s going to elevate a welcome nostalgia hit for Barrichello into one thing somewhat extra particular is the group he’s becoming a member of. Maybe rejoining can be a greater approach of placing it. As a result of after 32 years, he’ll unite with Il Barone Rampante, the outfit he raced for in the course of the 1992 Worldwide System 3000 championship.
Already a rising star with the British System 3 championship in his again pocket, Barrichello made an immediate impression on his commencement to what was then F1’s predominant feeder class in 1992 aboard IBR’s unmistakable yellow and purple Reynard-Judd. Slotting seamlessly into the sneakers of Alex Zanardi, who had challenged for the title as a rookie in the course of the maiden marketing campaign for Guiseppe Cipriani’s group in 1991, Barrichello was on the rostrum on the first time of asking at Silverstone by ending runner-up to Jordi Gene’s Pacific Reynard.
It set the tone for an ultra-consistent season during which he started the 12 months with three podium finishes from as many races. A mistake-free go to to Pau, a tall order for any newcomer, netted third place and was adopted by ending second to third-year team-mate Andrea Montermini in Barcelona. At that time he led the standings, though a run of victories for Luca Badoer’s monoshock-equipped Crypton Reynard finally took the title out of his grasp.
Barrichello completed second to Jordi Gene at Silverstone in 1992
Picture by: Motorsport Photos
A mid-season change of engine to the Mader Cosworth utilized by Crypton didn’t herald the moment success hoped for, and Barrichello ended the season with no win – albeit a powerful third within the standings. Had he returned for 1993, it is possible he would have been the category of the sphere, however he had no want to take action. His performances for IBR had set him on a path to F1 with Jordan for 1993, and he by no means seemed again.
IBR dropped off the F3000 grid in 1993, however has been revived as a automobile for Cipriani’s personal exploits in GT racing. The Italian has already clinched his third Am class title within the GT Open sequence run by Jesus Pareja’s GT Sport organisation and for the 2024 season finale on 19-20 October will step as much as the Professional-Am class to pair up with considered one of his most esteemed former drivers.
Barrichello has already examined the Huracan at Barcelona forward of what’s going to be his class debut, though he has earlier expertise in GT3 equipment from successful an Italian GT spherical in 2022 alongside fellow ex-F1 racer Giancarlo Fisichella aboard a Ferrari 488 at Vallelunga.
“I am actually blissful to race in Monza with Il Barone Rampante within the Lamborghini Huracan,” stated Barrichello, whose son Fernando has raced on the GT Open help invoice this season within the Euroformula Open class for System 3-style automobiles.
“I had already raced with them once we have been concerned in System 3000; clearly the group has modified class and members, however they’re nonetheless a wonderful group, they’ve already received the Am class title preventing for the rostrum at each race.
Rubens Barrichello celebrating successful the 2009 F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza
Picture by: Sutton Photos
“Competing in Monza is at all times particular for me, right here I received twice with Ferrari and as soon as with Brawn GP. ​​I had some fantastic moments after I competed with Ferrari and I can’t overlook the great help of the followers, who at all times adopted me with affection even after I modified groups.
“I am competing within the GT Open for the primary time and so it’ll all be new for me. I had the chance to do some laps with the automotive in Barcelona and I’ve to say that I felt good. Now I can not wait to get on observe for the primary exams!
“In Monza my son will even compete within the Euroformula Open, the place he’s at present third within the standings. Will probably be a busy weekend and hopefully filled with satisfaction for the entire household!”
Barrichello will race a Il Barone Rampante Lamborghini Huracan GT3 at Monza
Picture by: GT Sport
