INDYCAR: Barrichello Sets IndyCar Test In Florida

Formula 1

INDYCAR: Barrichello Sets IndyCar Test In Florida

SPEED has learned that the 40-year-old Brazilian is driving one of KV Racing Technology’s cars alongside countryman and good friend Tony Kanaan.

Robin Miller | Posted January 25, 2012 Indianapolis, IN

Rubens Barrichello is exploring his options. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The most experienced driver in Formula One history is going to test an Indy car next week in Sebring, Fla. but it’s not known whether or not Rubens Barrichello is serious about a full-time ride in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR series.

SPEED has learned that the 40-year-old Brazilian is driving one of KV Racing Technology’s cars alongside countryman and good friend Tony Kanaan next Monday and Tuesday in Florida.

Co-owner Jimmy Vasser, team manager Mark Johnson and Kanaan could not be reached for comment but Barrichello’s debut in an Indy car was confirmed by a source close to the Indy-based team.

He was at KV's shop earlier this week for a seat fitting.

A 19-year veteran of Formula One with 322 starts, 11 wins and a pair of runner-up finishes in the World Championship, Barrichello was not retained by Frank Williams following the 2011 season.

The chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, Rubens became the first driver to ever reach 300 F1 starts in 2010. His last victory came at the Italian Grand Prix in 2009 for Brawn Racing.

Nigel Mansell was also 40 years old when he left F1 for CART in 1993, where he captured the championship.

Kanaan finished fifth in the 2011 point standings for KV Racing, which is planning to run three cars with Chevrolet power this year.

Robin Miller brings 40 years of experience to his role as SPEED.com's senior open-wheel reporter, and serves as a frequent contributor to SPEED Center and Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain.