Barrichello to opt for stock cars
"After my 20-plus years representing Brazil racing all over the world, it is time to come home," said Barrichello.
"It will be amazing to race in my home country again, while allowing me to be closer to family. I have much enthusiasm for what this perfect fit will bring."
12/12/12 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. There will not be a second IndyCar Series season for former Formula One standout Rubens Barrichello.
Friends of the popular Brazilian said Tuesday that he will race in his home country's stock car series in 2013, driving for the Medley Full Time team. He had three races with the team in the fall.
Tony Kanaan said Barrichello couldn't secure the sponsorship for a full-time IndyCar ride before he had to decide on joining the Medley-sponsored team. Medley is a Brazilian pharmacy company. Barrichello also will work television broadcasts of F-1 races next season.
Barrichello, 40, finished 12th in the IndyCar standings. His best finish was fourth at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway in August. He was 10th in the Indianapolis 500. Indy Star
12/11/12 SPEED.com has confirmed through multiple sources that Formula One veteran and 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series rookie Rubens Barrichello has accepted an offer to race full time in the Brazilian Stock Car series in 2013.
Barrichello declined to comment on his future plans when reached Tuesday in Brazil.
Although a formal announcement is expected in the coming days, his friend and former KV Racing teammate Tony Kanaan says that time and financial constraints have forced Barrichello down the path he’s pursuing.
“He got a proposal there (in Brazilian Stock Cars) because right now people aren’t giving him many options (in IndyCar)," Kanaan remarked. “They’re asking him for money to keep racing in IndyCar, and he doesn’t have all the sponsors. I know his heart is still in IndyCar, but he’s not going to sit and wait. It’s a shame, but it’s the reality of racing right now. It’s really sad. He has to look out for his own interest."