"Irv the Swerve" or Rubinho?

[Tristan]

Seeing as it's now nearly kind of almost ish halfway throught the season all I can say is that I've seen nothing but critisism for Rubens.

So, simple question: who's been better? Irv or Rubinho? Who and why please....

Me: I'd go with Irv (because he's my #1 driver, shame he wasn't Ferrari's!!) but then again I don't think Rubens has been SOOOOO bad.

[KC]

If one compares their entire careers at Ferrari then both are on about the same pace. RB hasn't won yet, but has positioned himself on the podium sooner than EI did. But EI had a much worse car in his early years than RB has now. Its hard to say because things are so different now. I feel or sure than RB's finishes would be better if MS were to fall off the track for half a season again like happened for EI.

[MichaelC]

Rubens is the new Irvine (minus the playboy image)

I think they are of similar ability, which is why they are performing similarly. Irvine never wn races, but was always in the points. Ditto for Barichello.

And if he hasn't already, I think Rubhino will break Irv's record of most points scored without a win....

[renniesmill]

I think irvine and rubens were teammates in 92? or 93? cant remember but anyway, when they were both in the same team, irvine always did better than rubens, so i think irvine is better... besides, irvine *looks* fitter than rubens, rubens look so unfit! but thats only judging on their appearances.... ;p

[RIKB]

I can't say I'm hugely impressed by either of them, however I will give Irv. the benefit as the car hasn't been on song.

As for Rubens though, now he has the car underneath him, he doesn't seem to be trying as hard as he used to. He seems to have lost the hunger a little bit.

Maybe playing second fiddle does that to a bloke.

[Peter Mallett]

Don't think you can compare the two as they have been given different levels of equipment. However, where Irv scored was in fighting the car or anybody else to the finish, whilst RB seems to think he deserves a win without trying. He's definitely the poorest No 2 Ferrari driver for some years.

[Tristan]

You say Rubinho looks unfit? Rubinho IS Kelsey Grammer!! (Fraiser) The spitting image!! In fact, I think they are one and the same. Did anyone see Fraiser last week? WOW!! (soory, a bit off topic there!)

[Schume]

I would go for Irv as the better of the two.
He has more tenacity and a better attitude than Rubino.
Irv struggled with second rate equipment and lack of support but still got points finishes at Ferrari.
Rubino seems to have the attitude that driving a Ferrari makes him certain to be a success.
His attitude has not been helped by comments from Ferrari like, "he has achieved more in 4 races than Irv did in 4 years".
Even with this seasons car he is still off the pace.
Irv has been tops for attitude at Jaguar given the number of times the car has let him down. He sticks at it and things are getting better slowly.

If you look at the stats: (which prove everything and nothing) Irv is doing better.
Irv/Rubino
Starts: 104/120
Wins: 4/0
Podiums: 24/9
Poles: 0/3
FL: 1/1
Points: 176/99
Points Avg: 1.69/0.83

[fatbloke]

Frazier ? hahaha!!! Does that make Jean Todt Frazier's old man ?

[KC]

I think it makes Bernie the little terrier named Eddie!

[Sharky]

Rubens is much better driver than Irvine. No doubt about it. Remember that Rubens has had 2 DNF's due to mechanical failture but I don't remember Irvine having those problems last year (My memory could be fooling me though). And about the win....I still have my doubts on that pit stop strategy at Australia.....

[Dino IV]

Renniesmill, they ran together at Jordan from Suzuka '93 (yeah, the Senna-slap) until the end of '95. Except for qualifying in the frustrating '95 season, where Peugeot engines probably set a record for most failures (it seems this year is a new record attempt btw ) Rubens has been the better of the two most of the times.

Their average Jordan stats:
Irvine
1993: >Qualify:13,5 >Race: 6,0 >Points: 1 >WDC: 20th
1994: >Qualify: 9,2 >Race: 7,0 >Points: 6 >WDC: 16th
1995: >Qualify: 7,6 >Race: 7,8 >Points: 10 >WDC: 12th

Barrichello
1993: >Qualify:12,5 >Race: 8,0 >Points: 2 >WDC: 17th
1994: >Qualify: 8,4 >Race: 5,2 >Points: 19 >WDC: 6th
1995: >Qualify: 9,5 >Race: 6,7 >Points: 11 >WDC: 8th

In general, I guess they're quite different drivers. Irvine adapted quite well over the years to the prefferred Schumacher car behaviour, left braking and the edgy style, late brake, oversteer and full throttle. Barrichello is more of a stylist, returned to right braking again, very smooth lines, very smooth on the pedals.
Very different techniques. Rubens can't race Schu's car and set-up, Irvine could. Rubens won't adapt, Irvine did.
He needs time with that F1-2000, lots of testing, maybe some other components to get the car right for him.
Ferrari have the budget and facilities to provide him that, but I guess they fell a little short after the start of the season as his speed fell back more and more the last couple of races.

But I guess he's back to speed here in Canada, at least in qualifying. Still waiting for the data-sheet but I think his and Michaels best sectortimes where equally good today.
Well that would have been the whole idea for Ferrari, wouldn't it? To improve their driver line-up. I am sure they know a lot more than we do and made that choice on logical grounds. Invest more time and testing in Rubinho and he will shine.

[Minardi fan]

I think you'll find Barrichello actually looks like Niles, not Frasier. Niles (David Hyde Pierce) IS Rubens.

In terms of Swerve vs. Rubens, I'd say they were pretty equal. They're not great drivers, but they ain't bad. Nuff said.