STORY OF THE DAY: Barrichello’s Charge Through Melbourne

Rubens Barrichello finished second in the 2005 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, driving the number 2 Ferrari F2004M. In the opening round of the World Championship, he recovered from eleventh on the grid to follow Renault winner Giancarlo Fisichella home while resisting late pressure from Fernando Alonso.

Changeable weather during qualifying left several leading drivers badly placed, but Barrichello advanced steadily once racing began. Effective pit work lifted him into contention, and he managed a brake-balance difficulty while Alonso closed rapidly during the final stint. A disciplined defence preserved second place and gave Ferrari a valuable result with its interim car.

The F2004M was a modified version of Ferrari’s championship-winning 2004 design, adapted to the revised 2005 aerodynamic regulations while the new F2005 was completed. It retained a carbon-fibre composite monocoque and a development of Ferrari’s three-litre V10, but its altered bodywork and reduced downforce reflected the new rules.

Brazilian-born Barrichello developed his career through karting and the British single-seater ranks before entering Formula One with Jordan in 1993. He joined Ferrari in 2000, won Grands Prix for the team and twice finished runner-up in the World Championship. His Melbourne drive demonstrated the racecraft and resilience that made him a dependable Ferrari competitor.