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Barrichello confirms IndyCar deal

ESPNF1 Staff
March 1, 2012 « Pirelli wants to be more aggressive | Red Bull progressing - Webber »
Rubens Barrichello tested the new IndyCar in January © Sutton Images
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Rubens Barrichello has confirmed he will drive in IndyCar this season with KV Racing.

After testing for the team at Sebring earlier this year, Barrichello has put several weeks of speculation to bed by announcing the deal. He will race a full season in the series, including the ovals which he had previously promised his wife he would not compete on.

"I am thrilled, it is something very new to me," Barrichello said. "I need to thank everyone involved, especially Tony [Kanaan] because he has been involved for a long time. I will start as a rookie, but I think I will get better as the year progresses.

"My main thing is to be an addition to the team. They have been doing very well and Tony brought them to a different level last year, so I hope with my contribution we can build on this and take the team to another level. I am extremely happy and have a big smile on my face."

After 19 years in Formula One, Barrichello was left without a drive this season after being replaced at Williams by Bruno Senna. According to reports in Brazil he raised roughly $3.5 million in sponsorship and has now used some of that to secure his IndyCar seat.

Barrichello will line-up in a three-car team at KV Racing alongside good friend Tony Kanaan and ex-GP2 driver EJ Viso.

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