Due to the retirement of David Coulthard, the apparent exit of Rubens Barrichello, and an opportunity to have a go at Fernando Alonso (joking) I think it is time to pay tribute to the unselfish drivers who sacrifice personal glory in order to win the Championship for their team (although usually don't have the option)!
Barrichello played the no.2 fantastically in the first five years of this century. Ferrari won even the 2003 Constructors' Championship due to his ability to take them points that were on the offing away from McLaren. David Coulthard did the same in 1998 for McLaren. Eddie Irvine was able to push Hakkinen close for the title when the team leader was injured and even "failures" such as Fisi and Kova were able to stay out of the way!
We've seen the advantages of having a definite no.2 over and over again. From Prost mugging Williams in 1986, from McLaren's two moments of stupidity in 1989(Japan) and 2007(Hungary). Competitive team-mates often lead to split points (Ferrari 2008) or frustration (JPM, McLaren, 2005).
If Robert Kubica launches himself for the title this year, BMW'll have the security of steady, dependable, point-grabber Nick Heidfeld in car no. 2 (or 6 as the case may be). Will this make all the difference. If Raikkonen has a good year, I doubt Massa will be back at no.2 after the heroics of last year.
But the worst no.2 in a team chasing the title ever has to be Mr. Alonso! Specifically because he thought that he was no.1 just because his nose cone said so! Anyways, opinions?
Barrichello played the no.2 fantastically in the first five years of this century. Ferrari won even the 2003 Constructors' Championship due to his ability to take them points that were on the offing away from McLaren. David Coulthard did the same in 1998 for McLaren. Eddie Irvine was able to push Hakkinen close for the title when the team leader was injured and even "failures" such as Fisi and Kova were able to stay out of the way!
We've seen the advantages of having a definite no.2 over and over again. From Prost mugging Williams in 1986, from McLaren's two moments of stupidity in 1989(Japan) and 2007(Hungary). Competitive team-mates often lead to split points (Ferrari 2008) or frustration (JPM, McLaren, 2005).
If Robert Kubica launches himself for the title this year, BMW'll have the security of steady, dependable, point-grabber Nick Heidfeld in car no. 2 (or 6 as the case may be). Will this make all the difference. If Raikkonen has a good year, I doubt Massa will be back at no.2 after the heroics of last year.
But the worst no.2 in a team chasing the title ever has to be Mr. Alonso! Specifically because he thought that he was no.1 just because his nose cone said so! Anyways, opinions?