Veteran Brazilian not finished yet
Last Updated: November 10, 2011 11:53am
Barrichello: Wants to stay in F1 next season
Rubens Barrichello is determined his home race in Brazil later this month will not turn into a Formula One swan song.
With the current season now drawing to a close, Barrichello, who has more grand prix starts than any other driver, has yet to be confirmed for what would be his 20th year in F1.
The 39-year-old's current team Williams have still to announce their driver line-up, but are in talks with 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen regarding a comeback.
Their other driver Pastor Maldonado is seemingly secure given that he brings major sponsorhip from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.
For now, Barrichello just has to sit, wait and wonder whether the Brazilian Grand Prix on November 27 could be his last in the sport.
He was in a similar situation in 2008 when Honda opted not to renew his contract at the end of that year.
However, they then pulled out of F1 and team principal Ross Brawn, who subsequently led a management buyout of the team, decided to retain Barrichello.
Positive
Asked on Thursday as to his future ahead of this weekend's penultimate race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Barrichello said: "It is a tough one. I'm calling, and just waiting for people to call back.
"I'm thinking like I thought in 2008, just positive, although I might go into my home race without any confirmation of anything.
"But I'm not saying goodbye to my fans. I want to be there next year, taking the risk."
When it was suggested to Barrichello that an answer would be preferable beforehand to give him the opportunity to say goodbye, he replied: "Ideally I would have signed a five-year contract in mid-July!
"I just have to wait and see. I'm very motivated, but I'm having to wait for an answer. God wishes I'm on the grid for my 20th year."
Barrichello claims to be talking to other teams, although there are very few seats available, with Renault being the most high profile.
For now, he is simply trying to ignore the speculation and put his trust in what he is being told by Williams.
"Life is too good to be moaning about problems and why they haven't signed me just yet," added Barrichello.
"Back in 2008, if I'd have believed the rumours then, I would have signed for Brawn a long time previously.
"So I just have to wait, and when I have conversations, to look people in the eye and believe they are saying the right things to me."
Cheaper option
Whether Williams can afford Raikkonen remains to be seen, which is why a cheaper option such as Ferrari test driver Jules Bianchi has also been mentioned.
Assessing the other candidates, Barrichello said: "Everyone is in contention, and everyone has something good to give to the team. There are no down sides.
"I have to think for myself, to believe my principles are right, so I can't talk bad about Kimi, about anybody.
"We're all in contention. I just have to hope I'm the better option."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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