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Barrichello warns Alonso, “Expect the unexpected” at Indy
Rubens Barrichello, who competed in IndyCar in 2012, has warned that double Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso could be in for some surprises when he competes in the 101st Indianapolis 500.
David Malsher-Lopez Erick Gabriel
Edited: Apr 13, 2017, 1:21 AM
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The 44-year-old Brazilian made 322 Formula 1 starts, and scored 11 wins and twice finished runner-up in the World Championship, but when he lost his ride at Williams at the end of 2011, he joined the now defunct KV Racing IndyCar team for the 2012 season.
Although he failed to score a podium finish that season, Barrichello was well respected by his rivals and proved very popular with the fans. He also adapted well to ovals, despite his first left-turn-only race being the 96th Indianapolis 500. He he qualified 10th, just behind teammates Tony Kanaan and EJ Viso, and went on to finish 11th after leading two laps.
Responding to the news that Alonso is to compete in this year’s 500, Barrichello told Motorsport.com: “As much as I have done in my career – and I had a practice in an oval – when I got to Indy, I saw the unexpected. To me these are the crucial words: expect the unexpected.
“Indianapolis is expecting the unexpected. It's a very long race and I hope he has time to practice. And it is not only him on the track, but it's against everyone, in some situations, turbulence and traffic, that has to be understood.”
Barrichello admitted that when he first heard that Alonso would miss the Monaco Grand Prix to compete at Indy, he wasn’t sure the story was real.
“When I saw the news, I didn't believe!" he said. "He is not leaving just 'any' race – it's Monaco! But it's his choice, along with Honda.”
As one of Alonso’s former rivals, Barrichello said he expected the 32-time grand prix winner to shine at IMS, especially given that he will be competing for Andretti Autosport.
“He's a great driver and I'm sure he will adapt very well to the oval," he said.
“He has behind him a very good team in Indianapolis, so in terms of car and efficiency, it will be good.”
Since quitting IndyCar after one season, in which he finished 12th in the championship, Barrichello has raced Brazilian Stock Cars, winning the title in 2014 and finishing runner-up last season.
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