Barrichello rules out switch to IRL
The 36-year-old veteran's Honda ride is in serious doubt, as the Japanese team plans to evaluate alternatives Bruno Senna and Lucas di Grassi – both graduates of the GP2 series – at Barcelona next week.
"If they are good they will keep the position," Barrichello, whose more than 270 grands prix makes him the most experienced driver in F1 history, said.
Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger this week did not deny that the Faenza based team is in talks with the Brazilian about working together next year.
But if his F1 options do not materialize, Barrichello said he will not switch to American Indy racing, or another competitive series.
"Either I stay in F1 or I won't race," he said, speaking from his native Sao Paulo.
11/13/08 (GMM) Rubens Barrichello says he'll retire if he fails to find a ride in Formula One next year. The 36-year-old Brazilian driver dismissed the possibility of a move to the Indy Racing League or any other series. "Either I stay in F1 or I won't race," Barrichello said late Tuesday.
Barrichello has competed in the most grands prix (271) of any Formula One driver. He was with Honda this season, but his contract has not been renewed and the team is testing other drivers. Lucas Di Grassi and Bruno Senna, the nephew of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, are to test next week.
"If they are good they will keep the position," Barrichello said. "But if an empty seat is left, I'll take it."
Hoping to race in his 17th season, Barrichello also has a chance of driving for Toro Rosso.
Barrichello won nine F1 races during six seasons at Ferrari before leaving the Italian team in 2005. This year, his best finish was third at the British Grand Prix.