Barrichelo reaches 300 not out
author: Andries van der Walt
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A picture by Motorpics.co.za
Rubens Barrichello
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Rubens Barrichello - 300 Not Out!
At the end of 2003, Bernie Ecclestone was asked to name Formula One's biggest stars. Michael Schumacher, then a six-time world champion, was at the top of his list and Kimi Raikkonen was second. Next up was Rubens Barrichello.
"Rubens is a good driver and he's been around a long time," said Bernie. "The fans like him because he symbolises longevity."
Back then Rubens had completed 180 races: way short of the milestone he celebrates at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. On Sunday he becomes the sport's first triple centurion when he makes his 300th grand prix start.
"When I started in Formula One," says Rubens, "I never dreamt I'd still be here 300 races later. I'm very proud of what I've achieved; it's been an amazing journey. I'm enjoying my job more than ever with AT&T Williams, so here's to the next 100 races!"
Technically, this weekend's race is Rubens' 301st appearance at a grand prix, but he doesn't include the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in his count. He didn't qualify at Imola '94 because he fractured his arm and broke his nose in a hefty accident during Friday practice.
Except for this one anomaly, Rubens has been a permanent fixture on the grid for 18 seasons. During that time, he's knocked up an impressive array of statistics: 68 podiums, 11 race wins, 17 fastest laps, he's spent 869 laps in the lead (which works out at 4252kms/2642 miles) and he's attained a total of 637 World Championship points.
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