F1: Barrichello Doesn't Expect To Be Around For Turbo Era

Formula 1

F1: Barrichello Doesn’t Expect To Be Around For Turbo Era

Rubens Barrichello doesn't expect to still be driving in 2014 when F1 is scheduled to switch from V8 engines to turbo V6 power...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted August 12, 2011 GMM Newswire

Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello enjoyed a hefty payday at the Indy 500. (Photo: Getty Images)

Rubens Barrichello has admitted he is not likely to sample the sounds and power of V6 engines from the cockpit of an F1 car.

The Brazilian is the longest-serving driver in the sport's history, notching up approaching 320 Grands Prix since 1993 and keen to re-sign with Williams for the forthcoming 2012 and 2013 seasons.

In 2014, F1 is scheduled to switch from its normally-aspirated V8 engines to turbo V6 power, where silent electric motors are touted to propel the cars in the pitlane.

Barrichello, 39, in his native Sao Paulo for the August break, was asked about the change in engine formula by Globo Esporte.

"It is a very big internal war; it was going to be four cylinder and now it's V6. We're not exactly sure what will happen," he said.

In mid-2014, Barrichello will be 42 — the current age of his former Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher, the oldest racer on the grid.

Referring again to the V6 formula, Barrichello laughed and said: "That's for three years from now. At that time, I will not be in Formula One but at Disneyland, eating hamburgers and riding the rollercoaster."

More seriously, the 11-time Grand Prix winner is hoping to stay at Williams in 2012.

"In Formula One there are always surprises; you can never guarantee that something is fixed," said Barrichello.

"From what we can see, only the top seats are pretty much decided. For the teams in the middle of the field it depends on other factors and anything can happen until the end of the year."

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SPEED Staff / GMM

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