Rubens Barrichello is the most experienced Formula 1 driver of all time but that couldn't keep him in Formula 1, leaving the sport at the end of 2011.
But could the Brazilian be set to make a surprise return to the sport in 2014? It's certainly a possibility if paddock gossip is anything to go by.
The former Ferrari driver has taken part in 326 Formula 1 race weekends, four of which he failed to start, for teams including Jordan, Stewart and Brawn GP.
He raced for Williams in 2010 and 2011 before being edged out for a race seat by countryman Bruno Senna last season.
Instead he moved to the IndyCar series last year, joining KV Racing alongside Tony Kanan and E.J Viso. He finished 11th overall and took the 'Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year' title.
This season, the 41-year-old is driving in the 2013 Stock Car of Brasil season with Full Time Sports Chevrolet.
However, rumours in the F1 paddock indicate that Barrichello could return to F1 with the Sauber F1 Team in 2014.
He could partner 18-year-old Sergey Sirotkin at the team if the Russian youngster gets his required superlicense.
Barrichello didn't quash rumours in a recent tweet sent over the Korean Grand Prix weekend:
More surprising than talk of Barrichello's return in 2014 was a rumour that suggested he could drive for the team in the 2013 season finale in Brazil. Kaltenborn rubbished those reports: "I don't see any possibility there because we have no reason to change our two drivers for that race."
However despite leaving the door open when discussing the topic on Thursday, Kaltenborn then confirmed that Barrichello was out of the running for a 2014 drive on Saturday. She tol Reuters: "I am ruling out that he would drive for us. Maybe it is better if one is that clear about it. I have a lot of respect for Rubens, and I didn't think it was right that I just so abruptly say 'No, we are not going to talk.'"
Despite a glimmer of hope, it looks like the popular driver's Formula 1 career will not be brought back to life.
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
The former Ferrari driver has taken part in 326 Formula 1 race weekends, four of which he failed to start, for teams including Jordan, Stewart and Brawn GP.
He raced for Williams in 2010 and 2011 before being edged out for a race seat by countryman Bruno Senna last season.
Instead he moved to the IndyCar series last year, joining KV Racing alongside Tony Kanan and E.J Viso. He finished 11th overall and took the 'Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year' title.
This season, the 41-year-old is driving in the 2013 Stock Car of Brasil season with Full Time Sports Chevrolet.
However, rumours in the F1 paddock indicate that Barrichello could return to F1 with the Sauber F1 Team in 2014.
He could partner 18-year-old Sergey Sirotkin at the team if the Russian youngster gets his required superlicense.
Barrichello didn't quash rumours in a recent tweet sent over the Korean Grand Prix weekend:
Lots of things have being said this week about a possible F1 return. The truth is: "if there is an opportunity, I'm in,"Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn also commented on the gossip in the Korean Grand Prix paddock: "There are a couple of options out there and we know what he [Rubens] has – his experience," Kaltenborn stated. We [also] know that he would like to come back. So, let's wait and see."
— Rubens Barrichello (@rubarrichello) October 5, 2013
More surprising than talk of Barrichello's return in 2014 was a rumour that suggested he could drive for the team in the 2013 season finale in Brazil. Kaltenborn rubbished those reports: "I don't see any possibility there because we have no reason to change our two drivers for that race."
However despite leaving the door open when discussing the topic on Thursday, Kaltenborn then confirmed that Barrichello was out of the running for a 2014 drive on Saturday. She tol Reuters: "I am ruling out that he would drive for us. Maybe it is better if one is that clear about it. I have a lot of respect for Rubens, and I didn't think it was right that I just so abruptly say 'No, we are not going to talk.'"
Despite a glimmer of hope, it looks like the popular driver's Formula 1 career will not be brought back to life.
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