Barrichello isn’t done with F1

Rubens Barrichello was not retained by the Williams team for 2012. The Brazilian had stated that he was not going to try to restart his career immediately; he simply wanted to enjoy time with his family. However, he will ultimately participate in two days of testing, early in the week, driving an IndyCar.

A career switch to the North American championship seems possible even though he promised his wife not to race on American ovals. Another option remains Formula 1 because he feels he hasn’t completely finished with what is often cited as the best car championship in the world.

When asked by Brazilian journalist Livio Orrichio whether Formula 1 was now part of the past, the Brazilian answered: «No».

« Today, (F1) is a much more open world. A great opportunity could arise, the dream of racing my 20th F1 season is still intact. Sometimes things change and with speed and experience, you can be called upon. Kimi Räikkönen and Michael Schumacher returned (to F1) and I don’t see why I couldn’t do the same, » added Barrichello.

The Brazilian has a financial windfall – around 8 million euros – which could be interesting for some teams. But for the moment, he has not received any offers in F1, and with the upcoming IndyCar tests, he might be tempted by a new championship.

I have always wanted to test a single-seater Indy car because I love speed. I spent the holidays with Tony (Kanaan, driver in IndyCar) and he told me to test his single-seater. It wasn’t the first time he had offered me that. But now that I no longer have a contract with anyone, nothing is stopping me from doing these tests.

« I will carry out these tests with an open mind. If I leave the car with the passion I’ve always had as a driver, then why not? I love motorsport. »

Even though he knows he made a promise to his wife, he believes that nothing prevents him from participating in the IndyCar season and skipping the different races that will take place on ovals.

This is an important problem that we (his wife and I) must solve. But before thinking about it, I need to discover the single-seater first. Deep down, I still don’t know what I’m going to do. There is always the possibility of racing for the season, except for the ovals.

During his interview with Livio Orrichio, Rubens Barrichello also discussed not being renewed with the Williams team. He explained that it was Sir Frank Williams himself who called him to announce the team’s decision.

«Frank Williams personally called me. He began by telling me he had bad news and explained that they had decided to sign another driver. But being the great professional that he is, he did not tell me who it was. Shortly afterwards, on the same day, the team announced they had signed Bruno Senna.»

He still hoped to continue with the Grove team, having contacted a sponsor – Brasil Máquinas de Construção – that could have helped him. He was also willing to make financial concessions to stay, basing his income on results, for example. But that wasn’t enough, and Bruno Senna was ultimately preferred.

Ayrton Senna’s nephew, with whom he is friends, called him after his move to Williams was made official. But Barrichello stated that this appointment would not change their friendship.

«He called me and he seemed really embarrassed. I told him to stop and that we were friends. I told him I wasn’t mad at him, only at Williams. The good news is that with a fight between two Brazilians for a seat, it guarantees the presence of a Brazilian on the grid.»

«We will remain friends. Nothing changes. I fully support Bruno now and I hope he can have a better car than the one I had last year.»

Even though he does not yet know what he will do in 2012 – Formula 1, IndyCar, or perhaps a Pirelli test driver, Rubens Barrichello has stated that he is delighted with his F1 career and its longevity, even though it has not always been easy to secure a seat in F1.

I fought to stay in Formula 1, sometimes putting aside my pride. But since then, at least now, nothing affects me anymore. As I said, I have always sought professional opportunities to continue living my passion for speed. I am proud to have been able to race for 19 seasons, added the record holder for the most F1 Grand Prix races.