I'm not sure that the majority agree. As far as team orders go I'm not going to second guess Ross Brawn. He seems to know how to win. Unlike some others that I might mention
+1 What I find interesting is that of all the brains along the pit wall only Brawn figured (initially) that a 3 stopper was the way to go - Can't any of these other guys "run the numbers"? As to JB's switch, I'm totally in agreement with the call as it was designed to seperate 'em - They then told Rubens it was up to him - Push as hard as you can and you can still win (They'd determined a 3 stopper was fastest after all). It's just a shame the tires didn't cooperate, no "conspiracy theories" here, just good strategy IMHO. Cheers, Ian
Brain, I like Rubino I had him down for winning on Sunday, it was within his grasp, having said IMO I do believe Ross when he said a 3 stopper was what they thought was the fastest option, a very short stint on the crappy tyres, 2 factors IMO played it in to JB hands, 1 JB was fast on his tyres when in theory he shouldn't have been, and 2 RB struggled on his 3rd or 2nd.? set of tyres. So they switched JB, they could have they switch both! but I suppose they could cover both options I suppose. What does worry me as at the start RB and JB clashing they were allowed to fight for position that was plain to see. The point I'am making is Rubino shouldn't complain really, in the grand scheme of things.
There was a time when you'd hire a driver past his prime because of experience and it's cheaper than hiring a rookie that you risk costly crashes with. They'd finish races and bring the car home but that's about it. That doesn't seem to be the case with Reubens and the Brawn team. With the Brawn car/strategy being such a big factor, it would seem like RB should just sit back and enjoy his final days in the sun and be glad he's seeing the success he is.
This guy had the talent and luck to win races for Ferrari during one of their best periods next to one of the worlds greatest drivers of all time. Then he falls into another situation where the stars align in his teams favor as an old man (in F1 years). He's gotta be kidding if he thinks the team isn't favoring the up and comer who is just now getting his due.
Poor RB. If it wasn't for Brawn, he'd have a bunch less podiums in his career. He needs to decide if he wants some glory as a #2, or no glory in the back of the pack. I'd choose the podiums personally.
Must be tough being the longest running second fiddle in the history of F1.... But then again, he's got 3 AP's named after him and, I would imagine, a damn nice lifestyle.
I wouldn't and neither is RB. He is a racecar driver and the last time I checked most of them want to win. They are not out there to be a #2 and RB isn't either. So far give Jenson his due, he is driving fantastically well, but when the team changes the strategy midrace to a two stopper for only ONE of thier drivers, I would smell something fishy too... MB
The "up & comer!"...... As of last winter (when Honda pulled the plug) the consensus was that JB was a washed up, never-has-been who really wouldn't be missed on the grid. And Rubens career was over - Nice guy, but certainly had his best years in red. etc etc. Now these "no hopers" are in a great car and, basically, blowing everyone's doors off. I really believe that had his tires not let him down Rubens would have at least made it really close and probably got the win. Cheers, Ian
Hang on - Ross is on record as saying they believed a 3 stopper was the way to go. He changed it in order to split 'em up IMHO. And he gave the "fastest" strategy to the race leader - Rubens. That should have given Rubens the best shot at winning....... Nothing "fishy" here (again, IMHO.) Cheers, Ian
I'm sure they both got the usual "don't take each other out in T1" speech. They're both experienced enough to know that. But for sure there were no orders, which I think is *awesome* - Let 'em race! [At least for now.] Does it "worry me"? - Nope! Cheers, Ian
Is there any thought that the safety car kept them bunched up when RB could have pulled away? I would only add this . . . I have not had time to read a lot today, but if RB was originally on a 2 stopper and they changed to a 3 stopper, it would be much less efficient, as his first stint would have carried more fuel than normal. Theoritically, if you are on a 2 stopper you have just a little less than 1/3 of the fuel for full race consumption, and if you are on a 3 stopper, you have 1/4th (or less) fuel. So, he would have been lighter if they had PLANNED a 3 stopper instead of converting to a 3 stopper. Either way, RB needs to be quiet and drive. (I'm not hearing a lot of crying from Kimi, Massa, Hamilton, or Heki--they are playing the hand they have been dealt. Or maybe the press is avoiding these 4 right now.)
I honestly don't understand why these drivers get so bent out of shape with this. It's been said a million times but it just wouldn't make since to back both drivers. If one driver is as far ahead in the points as Jenson is, backing Rubens would be something along the lines of insane. The point is to win a championship(s), not share a sandbox.
Nope - That was Jensons big revelation in the press room - Ross had put 'em both on a 3 stopper. Then changed JB to a two - From the Brawn gp site (my emphasis added): I said it somewhere else - Is Ross the only guy there who understands math? Nobody else appears to have even *considered* a 3 stopper...... Dennis Simantis (sp?), the tech editor at R&T did a pretty in depth mathematical analysis of the pros & cons of different strategies a while back - I'll see if I can find it. Cheers, Ian
I think that this was a CYA for team-orders. They knew that the two-stopper was faster, but just said that 3 was default, so RB wouldn't have to affirmatively act to give up the lead. Also, this posturing by RB could also just be orchestrated to further cover up any team orders. Peter
Fair enough Andreas but that isn't the point, is it ? Do we want to watch racing or something staged 5 races in ? To my mind, there wasn't a chance a three stopper was going to be quicker than a two stopper (and I suppose I was right ). If Rubens had stopped before Jenson, I might be inclined to give Brawn the benefit of the doubt. Not in this instance and if anyone cares to read posts made during the race, conclusions of impropriety were voiced on the spot. As for Brawn's post race comments, what else could he say ? There was certainly a sheepish radio transmission from Brawn to Rubins after they notified him Jenson's strategy had 'changed'. At that moment, both parties knew what had just transpired. I have a feeling Rubino isn't feeling the love on here due to his years as support player at Ferrari. I doubt there'd be as many jaded comments if it had been Webber losing the win to Vettel under identical circumstances....
If Button had DNF'd in a previous race instead of winning it, And if he had the early lead at Barcelona, then during the post race interview it would have been RB grinning like mad and Button looking like he just swallowed a turd because Brawn would have given him the same treatment. Just the way it turned out.
i'm a RB fan and even at his age is just as quick as JB..i don't think he would quit right now..no way..
what's wrong with team orders anyway? i like the thought of teams being able to exploit 2 cars to maximum advantage.
Only if you care about who wins the championship as I don't think Kimi is really in the mix last time I checked...
There is no way in hell Rubens could have won that race. He is not half the driver Button is. I do care about that. True Kimi and Massa are out of it, but that's not the point. The Championship will be decided between Button and Vettel (with Button winning it). Rubens is a water carrier. As he has been all his career.
