'Barrichello has deal with Honda'
02 March 2009
Rubens Barrichello has a new deal with Honda for 2009 and will be testing the car at Silverstone this week, GPUpdate.net has been informed. Chances of the popular Brazilian retaining his drive increased last week, with a management buyout of the team now looking more likely.
Barrichello's drive was put in doubt when Honda announced its withdrawal from Formula One in December, with a high possibility of sponsors' favourite Bruno Senna taking his compatriot's seat alongside Britain's Jenson Button.
However GPUpdate.net has been informed by sources close to the team this morning that Barrichello, the most experienced man in F1, has been retained for 2009 and is expected to be at Silverstone this week for a shakedown of the new car.
This news follows recent comments from Mercedes' Norbert Haug which hinted that "'a very suprising name" could be offered a drive in Germany's premier touring car series DTM this season.