2000 Formula 1 World Championship
Barrichello Won Extraordinary German Grand Prix
By the time of the 2000 French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours David Coulthard had established himself as genuine title contender, along with his McLaren team-mate Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher. The French event would provide some entertaining and controversial racing.
Coulthard and Schumacher Battle in French Grand Prix
The front two rows of the grid at Magny-Cours were dominated by Ferrari and McLaren. Michael Schumacher was on pole, with Coulthard second, Rubens Barrichello third and Hakkinen fourth. At the start Michael Schumacher moved aggressively across the track to protect his lead, while Barrichello slipped through into second.
Coulthard eventually made it past Barrichello and went after the leading Ferrari. When he got close enough to attempt a pass Michael Schumacher defended strongly. Coulthard did get past a short time later, although there was contact. The Scotsman made his feelings known to the Ferrari number one by means of a universally recognised hand gesture.
While Coulthard pulled away to win the race, Michael Schumacher’s day ended early with an engine failure. Hakkinen finished second, with Barrichello third in the surviving Ferrari. Jacques Villeneuve was fourth in his BAR, ahead of Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli.
Schumacher Crashes Out of Austrian Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher’s Austrian Grand Prix lasted until the first corner of the first lap. Ricardo Zonta and Pedro Diniz were handed penalties for triggering a multi-car accident which eliminated the title contender, along with Giancarlo Fisichella and Trulli.
The race turned into a McLaren demonstration, but this time it was Hakkinen who won from Coulthard. Barrichello was again third, and Villeneuve was again fourth. Jenson Button picked up two points for fifth place, ahead of Mika Salo’s Sauber.
Barrichello Scores Maiden Formula 1 Victory at Hockenheim
A rain hut qualifying session at Hockenheim ended with Coulthard on pole by a large margin from Michael Schumacher. Fisichella started from third and Hakkinen was fourth. Once again Michael Schumacher’s race didn’t get past the first corner. After being forced to swerve by Coulthard he was collected by Fisichella, ending both of their races.
Hakkinen led the Grand Prix and the McLaren driver looked uncatchable. That was until the intervention of an unhappy ex-Mercedes employee. The angry individual gained access to the circuit, which resulted in the safety car being deployed until he was removed. Barrichello had enjoyed a remarkable race, progressing from 18th to third. He had been half a minute behind Hakkinen, but that deficit evaporated with the safety car period.
When it started to rain late in the race Hakkinen pitted for wets, while Barrichello decided to take a chance and stay out. It was an inspired decision, as Hakkinen was unable to catch the Brazilian before the finish. It was Barrichello’s first Formula 1 victory, and an immensely popular one for a much loved driver. Coulthard finished third, ahead of Button, Salo and Pedro de la Rosa.
2000 BAR 002 Formula 1 car
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