Towards a Barrichello/Rosberg exchange?

Rubens Barrichello is very close to finalizing a deal with Williams for 2010. According to *autosport.com,* the Brazilian would exchange his seat with Nico Rosberg. At the end of a season that saw him go from being Jenson Button’s second to a potential title contender, Barrichello is about to continue his adventure in F1 for at least another year.

The performances of Rubens Barrichello at Brawn GP were not sufficient to secure his future with the Brackley team. Considering that Nico Rosberg’s transfer to Brawn GP is an open secret, after the McLaren Mercedes door closed for the young German and also knowing that Mercedes is determined to power Nico Rosberg, Williams hopes to benefit from Rubens Barrichello’s enormous experience and top speed to help them continue their progress towards the front and Mercedes wants to place Nico Rosberg at Brawn GP.

Williams, who will probably sign rookie Nico Hülkenberg for 2010, is primarily looking for an experienced driver to compete alongside him. Sam Michael recently stated: “Today, there are several advantages to having an experienced driver, because everyone knows that private testing is banned. Taking a rookie is undoubtedly a risk.” Nick Heidfeld is also in the running.

Sources claim that Barrichello recently visited the Williams F1 facilities and factory in Grove to discuss plans for next year. They also claim that an agreement to swap his seat at Brawn GP with Nico Rosberg has been reached. Sam Michael does not hide his desire to have a duo of drivers combining youth and experience.

« Having an experienced driver is great because they have experience with the settings and directions to take, » he explained. « And if you have a young driver, they bring enthusiasm. We have had different drivers over the years, with these two profiles, young and old. And they all have their advantages and disadvantages. But the most important thing is that they are fast. »

Although Barrichello is close to a contract with Williams, it is still possible for Brawn GP to keep him if the team fails in its negotiations with Jenson Button, who is demanding a significant salary increase for 2010. The talks regarding the financial aspects of his contract for 2010 have not yet reached a conclusion. Regardless, Barrichello surely thinks it is better for him to secure a spot with Williams in the coming weeks before his options for the next season disappear.