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Barrichello still wants F1 return despite IndyCar test

Rubens Barrichello wants to return to the F1 grid © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Rubens Barrichello
• |
• Bruno Senna

• Teams:
• Williams

Rubens Barrichello has confirmed he is considering a switch to IndyCar this season, but insists he has not yet given up on his Formula One career.

Barrichello has been replaced by Bruno Senna at Williams this year and will test an IndyCar at Sebring this week. However, he has also promised his wife, Silvana, that he will not race on oval circuits in the USA due to the inherent dangers.

"I have no contract with anybody so there's nothing stopping me doing it," Barrichello told the O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper. "I'm doing it with my mind wide open. If I can get the passion with that car that I have always had when I am driving, then why not? I love racing."

Asked about the dangers of ovals, he added: "It's true and it's an important issue to be resolved. But before I think about it, first I have to know the car. There is always the possibility of running the season but not the ones on the ovals."

But Barrichello's main aim is to return to F1.

"The dream of competing in my twentieth season is still very much alive. You never know," he insisted. "Sometimes things change for all sorts of reasons and someone calls up your speed and experience. Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher came back, so there's no reason I could not as well.

"The reason I am not staying with Williams is not about the driving. Frank called me personally and began by saying they had decided to sign another driver. It is known that Williams is having difficulties with their budget and they had to choose an option more in line with their needs. That's understandable.

"Bruno called me and he was almost upset so I told him to stop it, we're friends. I wished him all the best. I said that my dispute was with Williams, not with him. Let's see how they [Senna and Pastor Maldonado] go with the problem of being inexperienced and developing the car, but in his favour the engineers have told me they will have a better car than I had last year. If they have the money, Williams can develop."

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