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[7UpJordan]

With Barrichello set to break Riccardo Patrese's record of the most Grand Prix starts, it almost feels in a way to me that it's almost the end of an era. I first started watching F1 20 years ago, and it was at the 1989 Brazillian Grand Prix that Patrese broke the record himself (previous holder was Graham Hill).

For almost as long as I've been an F1 fan, I have always known that Patrese has been the driver with the most starts, and only Schumi has come within touching distance of that record. It's kind of like people who were born and grew up during the Cold War and always knowing that there was an East and West Germany and then suddenly the Berlin Wall coming down in 1989 was kind of a shock.

Barrichello has said that he hasn't reached his athletic peak yet and could continue for years to come, so with that in mind, how many more starts will he rack up? 300? 350? Or even 400?

[texasmr2]

I see Ruben's competeing for only 2-3 more season's max if he does not get hurt or loose his ride after this seaon and even if he started every race for 3 season's he would not hit the 300 race mark. I forsee him taking the record this year since he only need's to start 8 GP's to beat the record.

[certom]

I see him out of Honda by the end of this year and out of F1 by the end of 2009(maybe after racing with Super Aguri, or Force India)...but i have to admit i'll miss him

[texasmr2]

Yah I'll miss him also and regret to this day that he showed such great promise and speed early on in his career and could not have achieved more in F1. He is one of the true and last 'gentleman racer's' imo left in F1. He's a fighter though and may surprise everyone over the next season and possibly the next if he last.

[Mr.Snuggles]

Barichello is a amazing driver, and believe me he will be round for many more years to come

[AKR]

Would be bad to see Barrichello go. He should of stayed at Ferrari. Put up with a few more years at being second to Michael Schumacher. M. Schumacher retired at the end of 2006. Barrichello is still around. He could of become number 1 in 2007 and possibly world champion?

[Mr.Snuggles]

I'd fully agree, but OMgosh lmaooooo Sato atleast he replaced a terrible driver that risked a championship car lmaoo

[McLaren Fan]

I think this season will key in seeing for how much longer Barichello goes on. Last year he was outpaced by Button and, yes, there were several reasons for this, such as not being used to the car, having some initial teething problems with it as well, and and the car just generally being terrible, but I don't think a lot of those will be valid excuses next year. If he is seriously beaten by Button, then I think it's safe to say he has lost his speed and it is time to go. Patrese lost his natural speed in his final season and could not have gone on for longer.

[7UpJordan]

I think this season will key in seeing for how much longer Barichello goes on. Last year he was outpaced by Button and, yes, there were several reasons for this, such as not being used to the car, having some initial teething problems with it as well, and and the car just generally being terrible, but I don't think a lot of those will be valid excuses next year. If he is seriously beaten by Button, then I think it's safe to say he has lost his speed and it is time to go. Patrese lost his natural speed in his final season and could not have gone on for longer.

Patrese could have stayed with Williams for 1993 after Mansell decided to leave in wake of Prost's arrival, but he kept to his agreement to go to Benetton. Had he stayed at Williams, could he have challenged Prost like Hill did? Could he have kept going for a few more seasons?

[Mr.Snuggles]

I think if this season doesn't go his way he will want out, he is classed as world championchip material? and they arn't givving him a world championchip car?
its pathetic! and Honda F1 need to sort the car out, or they could face loosing one of the most amazing drivers of all time, but atleast they got the other most amazing driver of all time
Jb

[Selcouth_Feline]

I feel sorry for him (and Button) having to drive such a poor car. Both are far more capable than the car shows

[Mr.Snuggles]

Exacly, to be honest the car will be capable by hopefully by 3rd or 2nd race?
but it will take alot of hard work, but with Ross Brawn by there side it will hopefully happen alot quicker

[McLaren Fan]

Exacly, to be honest the car will be capable by hopefully by 3rd or 2nd race?
but it will take alot of hard work, but with Ross Brawn by there side it will hopefully happen alot quicker

I cannot see it happening anything like that fast. Honda should look to be rebuilding this season and, with the influence of Brawn, aim to do better in the second part of the season. As I said on another thread, I really don't seen Honda challenging for titles for a several years. The fact is Ferrari, McLaren, BMW are streets ahead of them, and other teams such as Williams are already ahead and going in the right direction.

[Mr.Snuggles]

yes i will fully agree with you there?
but seasons?
P-Lease give it half way threw this season you will see changes
and 2009 lewis will be crapping his pants
the title will be his
now thats a bet i will take up

[Selcouth_Feline]

Exacly, to be honest the car will be capable by hopefully by 3rd or 2nd race?

Wishful thinking IMO.