• Williams news

Barrichello 'doing everything' for 2012 drive

ESPNF1 Staff
November 14, 2011 « Ecclestone denies Turkey is on standby for 2012 | Blue flag penalties inconsistent - Maldonado »
Rubens Barrichello still hopes to be Pastor Maldonado's team-mate in 2012 © Sutton Images
Enlarge

Rubens Barrichello says he is "doing everything" he can to try and make sure he has a race seat for the 2012 season.

Barrichello's contract with Williams is up at the end of the year, and with the team having been talking to Kimi Raikkonen about a potential return, he still doesn't know if he will be driving next season. His current team-mate Pastor Maldonado brought substantial backing from Venezuela when he joined the team, and Barrichello said he was even looking for sponsors to try and gain a seat.

"I'm doing everything I can," Barrichello told the BBC. "I'm even looking for all the things such as sponsors if that's what we need. I'm looking for everything just to show that my passion is behind the steering wheel and I want to be there next year. Obviously I'll be in charge of being in England as much as I can and trying to get my job."

With the uncertainty over his future allied to a return of just four points finishes, and having to start at the back of the grid this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Barrichello admits it has been his hardest year in the sport.

"Most definitely, we've been having a tough season. Last year started tough but the team go well together and we solved all the problems. This year, with all the news of departures and people coming and going, it was tough to keep the team organised. So it's suffering but if they keep on going with a good mentality they will sort themselves out."

"If it was my first or second year I think it would have been tough, but after 19 seasons you have to enjoy life. I'm enjoying my life ... you've got to enjoy as much as you can. I would love to be sitting in a competitive car next year. Just like in the past with Honda and the Brawn season, I'm going to be 40 years of age with 20 years of racing so I think it's almost a must for me to be there next year. So I hope I am, and I'm only doing this because I enjoy it fully."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close