Rubens Barrichello makes a test run at the wheel of an IndyCar. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)

Barrichello To Decide Possible IndyCar Switch 'Soon': The likelihood is rising that Rubens Barrichello will switch from Formula One to IndyCar for the 2012 season. Left without a race seat after 19 consecutive seasons of Grands Prix, the 39-year-old Brazilian has been testing this week in Florida with the team of an Indy driver he describes as his "brother," Tony Kanaan. Barrichello was scheduled to test at Sebring over two days, but he completed yet another half-day on Wednesday, the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo revealed. "I don't know how things are going to move forward now," he told the correspondent Livio Oricchio. "I have not spoken with (owner) Jimmy Vasser about racing in the season." Much has been made about an earlier promise Barrichello made to his wife Silvana about never racing at high speed on American ovals — the kind that claimed the life of Dan Wheldon late last year. "She has come here (to Sebring) now," Barrichello revealed, "and today she was supporting me, seeing how happy I am. Silvana even joked with Tony, saying that he was to blame for all of my enthusiasm." The 15-round 2012 season, featuring four oval tracks including the fabled Indy 500 in May, and a city race in Barrichello's native Sao Paulo, kicks off at the end of March on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. "What is certain is that it (the speculation) will not last long. Whether I race or not will be known soon," Barrichello said. "There is a lot of work still to do and KV (Racing) needs to know its driver."

Ecclestone Backs Webber To Shine In 2012: Bernie Ecclestone has once again backed Mark Webber to shine in 2012. Australian Webber came close to winning the championship in 2010, but ultimately it is his young teammate Sebastian Vettel who is the reigning back-to-back title winner, having utterly dominated last season. And it is likely Adrian Newey has penned another field-beater yet again for 2012. "I don't want Red Bull to dominate in the same way but I fear that's what will happen. That's why I put my hopes on Mark Webber's shoulders," F1 chief executive Ecclestone said recently. Webber turns 36 later this year and many tip Red Bull to replace him with one of rookie team Toro Rosso's new chargers for 2013. But Ecclestone insists it is not too late for the Australian. "I think he could win, yes for sure," he is quoted by the Herald Sun. "I think you are going to see a different Mark this year. What he has to do is come to appreciate that Sebastian is quick, and he has to make sure he is quicker. (And) get it out of his head that people are not supporting him because they actually are."

Mateschitz Donates EUR 70M To Research University: F1 team owner Dietrich Mateschitz has donated a staggering EUR 70 million to a medical research university in his native Austria. The local Salzburg 24 reports that the 67-year-old billionaire, whose energy drink company owns the Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams, donated the money to the Paracelsus Medical University. Mateschitz reportedly wants the money to be used for research into incurable spinal injury and paralysis. The report said the university was founded in 2002 with Mateschitz's support. "This is the third highest amount ever donated to a university in Europe by a private person," said a university official. "We are very grateful and also aware of the great responsibility that comes with such a high sum." The Spanish press quoted the publicity-shy Mateschitz as saying: "It is a very worthy project and I want to help."