Rubens Barrichello will do tests in IndyCar

While he recently stated that he had competition in his blood, and after seeing the last available seat at Williams slip through his fingers, Rubens Barrichello might be tempted to follow in the footsteps of Nigel Mansell or Mario Andretti by joining the North American single-seater championship.

The record holder for the number of Grand Prix starts recently assured that he did not consider a switch to IndyCar: « I think that at first, I won’t look for anything. Maybe I’ll just enjoy my family this year, after which I think my passion for speed will catch up with me. One thing is for sure, I will not race on American ovals; I promised my wife and I will honor that promise. » A promise likely made in the aftermath of the tragic Las Vegas accident, which caused the sudden death of Dan Wheldon and stirred strong emotions in the motorsport world.

However, the call of auto racing might override Rubinho’s commitments to his wife, as while he is enjoying a vacation with his family in Florida, the Associated Press reports that the Brazilian could take part in two test days for the KV Racing team, which includes among its ranks Tony Kanaan, a compatriot and friend of the former Williams driver. Autosport confirms the information and specifies that the tests will take place at the Sebring circuit, next Monday and Tuesday.

Nothing indicates, however, that these tests will lead to a permanent position in 2012. In fact, KV Racing intends to field three cars for the 2012 championship, one of which is intended for Tony Kanaan, while Jimmy Vasser recently indicated that it only remained to finalize the contract of Venezuelan E.J. Viso and that it was more than likely that the last seat would go to a rookie.

Rubens Barrichello’s experience and his special ties with Tony Kanaan could, however, work in the Brazilian’s favor, especially since only four oval tracks are listed on the 2012 IndyCar championship calendar as opposed to eleven road or street races.

In the event of a potential switch to IndyCar, Rubens Barrichello would notably reunite with his compatriots, Tony Kanaan and Elio Castroneves, but also former Formula One drivers, including Briton Justin Wilson, Japanese Takuma Sato—if he finds a seat—and especially Sebastien Bourdais. After a part-time return in 2011, the Le Mans native will make his full-time return to North America with Dragon Racing, although he himself seemed rather reluctant in recent years to the idea of racing on ovals—at least under the conditions that led to the Las Vegas tragedy.

Rubens Barrichello could also, if he commits to IndyCar, encounter a former Ferrari driver on his path since Jean Alesi has announced his intention to participate in the famed Indianapolis 500, backed in his endeavor by Lotus, one of the engaged engine manufacturers.

For the record, as an anecdote, the great Ayrton Senna himself tested a North American single-seater – the CART championship at the time – for the Penske team, on the advice of the legendary Emerson Fittipaldi. After a brilliant 1992 season in which he experienced the domination of Nigel Mansell and his Williams, Ayrton Senna said of this test: « I think racing cars are like a drug in my blood and when I get close to them, I have this very special feeling. They started the engine and it reminded me of the time when we watched Formula One and I think the virus was reawakened in me, after being a bit dormant. »