Barrichello debuts in IndyCar and impresses

Rubens Barrichello, currently without a contract in Formula One, was offered his first experience behind the wheel of an IndyCar on Monday for KV Racing Technology, alongside Tony Kanaan. The rendezvous was set in Sebring, where the driver from São Paulo completed a staggering 94 laps, totaling over 240km, progressing throughout the day according to the official team statement, which also adds that by the end of the day, he was completing laps in the times of drivers who have been involved in IndyCar for many years and have already tested at Sebring.

« I have always wanted to try an IndyCar. I love speed, so it’s natural to want to try it. Since I am not under contract with anyone, there is nothing to prevent this test » says the Paulista in O Estado de Sao Paulo, also not ruling out the idea of actually making the leap from F1 to IndyCar: « I am participating in these tests with an open mind. If I come out of it with the same passion I have always had as a driver, then why not? I love racing! »

The first comments from the Brazilian after Monday’s test day leave the door wide open: No matter what the future holds, which can always change, all I said at the beginning is that I wanted Kevin [Kalkhoven, co-owner], Jimmy [Vasser] and Tony [Kanaan] to remember this day at Sebring by saying: Rubens tried this, it was really good and it made us faster, so let’s try it again on this track. I had a really good and productive day with all the setup options we tried. It’s a different machine from what I’m used to, but I had good feelings with it. I feel like a kid. You might call me a rookie even though I have thirty-three years of experience in this job, but today, I was starting in IndyCar. In the morning, I got familiar with the car and tried not to do anything stupid because you don’t want to put the car into the wall.

The Brazilian impressed, starting with his friend, Tony Kanaan, already confirmed at KV Racing for the upcoming season: « Well, there’s really not much to say. He arrives here for the first time and, after 20 laps, he’s already running at the same times as me. His knowledge and experience have helped confirm some ideas we had for these initial tests, so it’s very productive to have Rubens with us. »

But will this be enough for the Brazilian driver to take the plunge into IndyCar, after nearly twenty years spent in Formula One? Rubens Barrichello no longer dismisses the idea: “There, I am really happy and I like what I have seen. I just need to see what’s going to happen. I have to discuss it with my family and with Jimmy [Vasser, the owner of the KV Racing team].”

This one did not hide his enthusiasm either: « On behalf of Kevin [Kallkhoven] and everyone working for KV Racing Technology, I can say that we are all very pleased with today’s tests. The entire team did an excellent job. It was Rubens’ first time in an IndyCar, and I think he had fun. Certainly, we had a lot of fun working with him [but] even more importantly, if he has this kind of effect on Tony, we will have to find a way to keep him around. »

The two Brazilian drivers, aged 37 and 39 respectively, do not hesitate to consider themselves as brothers. The two men are also behind the Barrichello Kanaan Foundation, which is involved in various social aid programs. In 2006, as a mutual token of friendship, Rubens Barrichello participated in the Monaco Grand Prix wearing Tony Kanaan’s helmet, while Kanaan participated the same day in the Indianapolis 500 with Rubinho’s helmet. Only time will tell if the most experienced Formula One driver will defend his colors on the legendary Indianapolis Brickyard.