Rubens wins in Valencia

Rubens Barricahello celebrates with Ross Brawn afetr winning the European Grand Prix

Rubens Barrichello celebrates with Ross Brawn after winning the European Grand Prix

Well, it’s been a long time coming – five years – but Rubens Barrichello has finally stood on the top step of the podium once again, after driving an exemplary race from the second row to take victory in his Brawn in the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Rubens has had a moan or two about his team lately, but he had nothing but praise for them as he held on to the lead he took after Hamilton in the McLaren had a pit stop from hell – when his tyres stayed in the pit garage rather too long – and drove like the veteran he is.

Button, on the other hand, managed to throw away his grid position at the start and spent the whol;e race playing catch-up. He managed to finish in seventh – for a very valuable two points – but hge was never in contention.

The Red Bulls had a poor showing, with Vettel’s engine blowing up and Webber going the way of the Australian Cricket Team (we won the Ashes – Good Lord!), ending up ninth and out of the points.

Kimi Raikkonen managed a very creditable – if quiet – third place for Ferrari, which augers well for the resurgence of both McLaren – with Hamilton’s very good second place – and Ferrari as we run towards the end of the season.

But the day belonged to Barrichello. He dedicated his win to fellow Brazilian Felipe Massa – still recovering from being hit in the head by a piece of Ruben’s car at Budapest – and was overjoyed at his win:

“I never felt the accident was my fault, although it was a piece of my car that struck him” said Barrichello. “He is such a good friend and I dedicate this win not only to him but also to the whole of Brazil. It’s been a fantastic weekend, one that I will never forget.”

And it was actually a pretty good race, especially considering Valencia is one of the most boring circuits on the F1 Circus.

Well done, Rubens.