APRIL 2, 2001
Lauda calls for Barrichello to be banned
JAGUAR RACING advisor Niki Lauda believes Rubens Barrichello should be banned for two races for his part in a number of collisions this season.
Ferrari driver Barrichello had to retire from his home event in Brazil on lap three after an incident with Williams driver Ralf Schumacher - the second time they have collided in two races - and Lauda said the Brazilian should be suspended.
"Such accidents can be bad luck," Lauda told German television channel RTL. "But when such things happen so regularly, he (Barrichello) should be told: 'You are suspended for two races. Think it over'."
Both Barrichello and BMW-Williams driver Schumacher were warned as to their future conduct by the Brazilian race stewards following their collision.
The incident, where Barrichello hit the back of Schumacher's car, forced Barrichello out in his Ferrari immediately and ruined Schumacher's race as he was forced to pit for repairs before his retirement after completing 54 laps.
Barrichello also clashed with the Jordan of Heinz-Harald Frentzen at the season-opener in Australia, forcing Frentzen to spin and lose places.