Rubens Barrichello confirms IndyCar move

(GETTY IMAGES)

Rubens Barrichello has today officially confirmed his switch to IndyCar.

Barrichello was released by Williams at the end of last season to bring to an end his 19-year career in Formula One, much to his bitter disappointment as he still believed he had much to offer.

But following a couple of successful tests with KV Racing, the 39-year-old has decided to join the team co-owned by former CART champion Jimmy Vasser and Kevin Kalkhoven.

After previously insisting to wife Silvana he would never race on oval circuits, Barrichello has gone back on his word and will now compete in all 15 rounds of this year's championship.

That includes four oval tracks, including the renowned Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Silvana's scepticism would have increased following the horrific accident which claimed the life of Dan Wheldon in the final race of last year's series in Las Vegas.

According to the team, it was Barrichello's children who convinced Silvana their father should pursue his goals for this year.

Barrichello said: "I am thrilled. I will start as a rookie, but I think I will get better as the year progresses. My main thing is to be an addition to the team.

"They have been doing very well. Tony (Kanaan) brought them to a different level last year, so I hope with my contribution we can build on this and take the team to another level.

"I am extremely happy and have a big smile on my face."

Barrichello's arrival is undoubtedly a good news story for IndyCar as appreciated by four-times champion Dario Franchitti.

Via his Twitter account, Franchitti said: "Great news rubarrichello is confirmed in IndyCar. I think the competition level just went up again!!"

PA