Silverstone: Button’s home, Barrichello’s track? (British Grand Prix preview)
16th June 2009, 7:00 by Keith Collantine 54 Comments »
Rubens Barrichello stormed to victory at Silverstone in 2003
Rubens Barrichello needs to do something – anything – to stop 2009 turning into a repeat of those six long seasons spent in Michael Schumacher’s shadow.
Seven races into this year’s championship, Button has won six times and Barrichello’s points total is barely more than half his British team mate’s.
Button can expect an enthusiastic reception on home territory – but Barrichello has a strong record at Silverstone. Can he finally put one over Button this weekend?
Button vs Barrichello
If Button wins his home Grand Prix on Sunday, it will effectively mark his coronation as champion.
But it’s not a given – and he wouldn’t be the first driver to succumb to the pressures of performing at home. And his dominant start to the season may serve only to increase the expectations of a home win.
Barrichello has a strong record at Silverstone. He won the 2003 race with a superlative-defying performance, easily the best of his career, twice passing Kimi Raikkonen for the lead.
Last year Barrichello dragged the woeful Honda RA108 to its only podium finishing. With a perfectly-judged strategy and skilful wet weather driving, he beat the likes of Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari), Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren) and Fernando Alonso (Renault).
It was the third time in a row Barrichello had beaten Button on his home track since the pair became team mates:
| Year | Rubens Barrichello | Jenson Button |
| 2006 | 10 | DNF (engine) |
| 2007 | 9 | 10 |
| 2008 | 3 | DNF (spun) |
Brawn vs the rest
Can any other teams rival the Brawn hegemony? Once again you have to look to Red Bull, whose inability to regularly beat Brawn so far can be attributed to several problems: poor strategy, driver error, bad luck, and not being quite on Brawn’s pace.
Toyota, too, had a stronger race at Istanbul and have thrived at circuits with more quick corners than slow ones. Silverstone certainly falls into that camp.
Drivers to watch
Jenson Button – A home victory would complete a near-perfect first half of the championship and put him within touching distance of the championship crown.
Mark Webber – Has beaten Vettel three times in a row now, and was on the front row here last year. Can he keep the streak going – and pass his junior team mate in the championship?
Lewis Hamilton – Winner in 2008, but his measure of success in 2009 is not getting lapped. Can be counted on to wring the maximum out of his MP4-24 on home ground.
Robert Kubica – Finally scored some points last time out, but needs to make a habit of it to salvage something from this season.
More about the 2009 British Grand Prix
Sush Meerkat said on 16th June 2009, 7:27
Thats because the RA108 was actually a boat.
If it rains my money is on Webber, he is supreme at silverstone and the RB5 is awesome in the wet, and he’s gonna go for a ruthless stratergy to beat Vettel.
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 10:41
Yet Jenson “Rainmaster” Button managed to spin off.
Richard Evans said on 16th June 2009, 11:03
But webber span from third on the first lap at last years silverstone, so he isn’t that great either!
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 13:25
Nope but he isn’t known as the rainmaster
RaceDude said on 16th June 2009, 14:16
You know, all you do is complain and be an idiot towards people…
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:13
I seem to remember Felipe Baby spinning a few times last year
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:02
I’m just having an opinion actually. Like everyone else on this site.
RaceDude said on 16th June 2009, 18:05
I know, but sometimes it seems all you do is complain, at least be constructive.
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 18:08
I’d like to apologise.
I am very stressed at the moment with family issues, university and work.
I am coming across as one of those annoying people who argues with everyone on the internet and I don’t want to be like that because I’m not that kind of person. I am sorry to everyone on this site for acting like an idiot. I hope everyone can forgive me
Sush Meerkat said on 16th June 2009, 7:30
are you sure about that Keith?, his car isn’t suited to Silverstone at all.
If the Toyota’s didn’t chew their tyres they would be in contention.
Prisoner Monkeys said on 16th June 2009, 7:58
His car isn’t suited to anywhere.
LewisC said on 16th June 2009, 8:21
Agreed – but it’s an opposite to the Toyota: it’s especially rubbish in fast corners. Copse, Maggotts/Becketts and Bridge will all be terrifying in the McLaren this year…
Prisoner Monkeys said on 16th June 2009, 8:45
Then we should see just how good Hamilton and Kovalainen are. Copse to Stowe is one of my favourite sections of any racing circuit on the calendar, but Silverstone is one of my most hated circuits: The Vale turned Club into a chicane, Abbey used to he a high-speed left kick until it too was chicane-erised and the final section through Priory to Woodcote has a history of being reconfigured into fiddly corners. I get that the FIA wants to make the sport as afe as possible, but it’s come at the expense of what should be a fantastic display of a driver’s ability. Even the new “Arrowhead” configuration for MotoGP is guilty of the crime, with the bikes branchin out from Abbey by way of a right/left chicane (but, in Arrowhead’s defence, it rejoins at Brooklands and should make the entire final section very interesting).
77O.Q7 said on 16th June 2009, 9:19
who’s car
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 10:47
True but I’d think especially Silverstone being a fast track.
I don’t think Lewis is going to be able to do anything this year
Patrickl said on 16th June 2009, 10:51
Yeah and probably the only race where he had some chance of being impressive was Monaco. Then he goes and puts the car in the guardrail.
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 13:26
Yep. BAD BAD times.
Becken said on 16th June 2009, 13:46
Ross Braw has said that:
Apex speed (turn
1. J. Button……………………….. 272.4 km
2. S. Vettel……………………….. 271.6 km
3. K. Raikkonen…………………….. 269.2 km
4. F. Massa………………………… 268.0 Km
Even with the RB5 been developed around Vettel, I think Webber will beat him again in Silverstone, almost his home ground. I´m still waiting to see when Mark will focus his weekend strategy in the qualifying: Silverstone, in fact, would be the right place to do that…
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:09
Webbers qualifying was very impressive last year. Maybe he might get pole this race
Macca said on 17th June 2009, 6:31
Webber wont get pole because Red Bull wont let him.
TommyB said on 17th June 2009, 13:24
You think they are favouring Vettel? Pit strategy wouldn’t suggest that
Macca said on 19th June 2009, 4:12
Webber is always fueled heavier which gives him very little chance of over taking Vettel and winning the race.
Lustigson said on 16th June 2009, 7:43
In a way I’m sad to see Rubens in the latter days of his career. He was a genuine promise when he first started out at Jordan, in 1993 — I remember reading a german Auto Bild announcing the ’93 drivers, and with Rubens stated ‘Formel 1 mit 20!’ — and races like his 2003 British GP win show that he definitely had (has?) what it takes. Sadly not on all occasions.
I sometimes wonder what might have been, had he not played second fiddle to Schumacher all those years, but could fight for the WDC for himself. In 2002 and 2004 he would’ve easily taken it, of course, had Schumacher not been there, but other seasons maybe, too.
DGR-F1 said on 16th June 2009, 8:05
I hope Rubens can contain his frustration better this time round. When he is in fighting mood I think he is capable of beating Button anywhere, but if he goes a little ‘Massa’ and starts damaging the car again, he has no chance at all…..
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:16
Maybe its a Brazilian thing
micio said on 16th June 2009, 8:09
Hey man. Barrichello’s 35 is more than half Button’s (61/2 = 30,5). So it’s not as bad as you think.
Keith Collantine said on 16th June 2009, 9:00
Quite right – duly tweaked.
m0tion said on 16th June 2009, 8:26
There is more pressure on Vettel than anybody else in this round but he has been impressive under pressure on track until now and I wouldn’t call those as cracks appearing just yet. If Webber can miss the odd puddle he has the habit of finding he will be in it for the win for one of the only times in his career. Webber and Rubens for mine but I keep having to uprate Button race by race.
Prisoner Monkeys said on 16th June 2009, 8:39
I suspect Webber’s run of bad luck can be explained by his making a pact with a dark being to have several years’ bad luck in exchange for surviving the infamous Mercedes backflip at Le Mans.
Dougie said on 16th June 2009, 10:36
Agree with Patrickl, and lets not forget his last display under pressure… where he threw it off the course before he had even completed a lap.
If anyone has been impressive under pressure, and in every race there has been pressure at some point and overall to perform to his highest, it’s Button.
m0tion said on 16th June 2009, 11:29
I have been impressed by Vettel’s responding in qualifying using very few laps. I rate Webber right among the top of the heap of qualifiers. Fuel adjusted and a little weight assisted maybe but it has been so close and he has turned on his best laps from a small no. of tries.
Webbers overtaking has been better but if you have a look at the moves they were opportunistic and off the trailing line line with the dirty air. Some of that has been maturity and just sticking to trying to position to jump people and conserving unless someone looks a bit ragged ahead.
Over a lap by a smidgeon and maturity wise I give Mark the nod. It is up to Mark now to race it this weekend and win.
m0tion said on 16th June 2009, 10:54
Agree that. I don’t think he has even been back in a sports car yet. Red Bull F1 at least gives him wings that keep him on the ground.
Patrickl said on 16th June 2009, 10:23
Like in Australia or Monaco? Or by sitting behind a slower car in the other races?
When exactly has Vettel been impressive under pressure?
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 10:43
I’m a Sebby V fan but I agree he has bottled it this year. He’s a great driver but has made some rookie mistakes under pressure this year.
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:14
Add Turkey to that too
Arthur Fowler said on 16th June 2009, 10:52
Looks like there could be a spot or two of rain this weekend.. Excellent!!!!
Dane said on 16th June 2009, 11:29
Im going for Webber to win
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:16
Would be good for him to finally get a victory. He is one of the best drivers to have never won a race IMO
Navs said on 16th June 2009, 11:36
Very glad to see the series back to Europe. The classic circuits have so much more character and history.
Will be interesting to see what new developments are brought and how they might impact Q2.
PJA said on 16th June 2009, 11:43
If I was a gambling man I couldn’t back anyone else other than Button for the win, but his winning streak has to stop sometime, but where?
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 13:28
Australia 2010
Becken said on 16th June 2009, 14:21
Ross Braw has said that:
Apex speed (turn 8 )
1. J. Button……………………….. 272.4 km
2. S. Vettel……………………….. 271.6 km
3. K. Raikkonen…………………….. 269.2 km
4. F. Massa………………………… 268.0 Km
Even with the RB5 been developed around Vettel, I think Webber will beat him again in Silverstone, almost his home ground. I´m still waiting to see when Mark will focus his weekend strategy in the qualifying: Silverstone, in fact, would be the right place to do that…
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 17:04
Anyone think the FOTA might make some kind of protest this weekend?
DGR-F1 said on 16th June 2009, 17:15
What, like Luca and the other Team Principles staging a sit-down protest on the start/finish line?
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 18:10
You never know. In fact I must admit I’ve put a pound on the Force India’s as they are 400/1 each to win
Brian said on 16th June 2009, 18:25
This year at Britain:
1st – Web
2nd – Vet
3rd – Bar
4th – Mas
5th – Ham
6th – Tru
7th – Rai
8th – Alo
DNF – But!!!! yah!!! I can hope.
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 19:24
Really can’t see Hamilton getting 5th. Even in the points at all to be honest.
For some reason I can see this being the only race Button doesn’t actually win and it’s the one I actually wouldn’t mind him winning.
Macca said on 17th June 2009, 6:38
If it’s dry – BAR to win
If it’s wet – WEB to win
If it’s a monsoon – HAM to win
pSynrg said on 16th June 2009, 19:50
£20 Jenson’s gonna walk it…
TommyB said on 16th June 2009, 20:11
You won’t get much money back!
pSynrg said on 17th June 2009, 13:22
Come on then, my £20 against your £20…
Easy money you say?