Long-serving Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello has said that it would be "nice to know" the Williams team's decision on drivers for 2012 by the Brazilian GP season finale, with his home race potentially serving as his final-ever F1 race.
Earlier this season, Barrichello appeared certain to be retained by Williams for 2012, allowing the Brazilian to compete in his 20th F1 season.
But recently, reports have suggested that Williams will look elsewhere for Pastor Maldonado's team mate for next year.
This weekend, team co-owner Toto Wolff admitted that the team were in negotiations with former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, and suggested Ferrari reserve driver Jules Bianchi was also an option.
And while Barrichello has said that he is not overly worried should his F1 career end this season, he would like to know before the final race of the year in Brazil.
"Emotionally, it would be nice to know for Interlagos, even if I don't believe Brazil will be my last race in Formula One," he told the Totalrace website in Brazil regarding his F1 future.
He added cryptically that he was made aware of the "situation" surrounding the second Williams seat for 2012 at the last race in India.
"During the weekend in India, I got a better understanding of the situation and I understand a bit why it is taking so long. Unfortunately, I still have to wait," he mused.
He added that while he was still determined to stay in F1, he was confident that life outside of the sport could be "even better".
"I want to race in Formula One, 100 percent," he insisted, "If not, then I have other options."
He added: "People like Luciano Burti and Olivier Panis tell me that life after Formula One can even be better.
"When the time comes, I will have the farewell party, I have too many relationships established to disappear from the sport in one moment.
"What will be, will be, but god willing I will be on the grid next year."
Some reports from Finland have suggested that Raikkonen could be confirmed as a Williams driver at this weekend's Abu Dhabi race.
Should Barrichello lose his Williams drive, his options for 2012 would appear fairly limited, with only HRT, Virgin and Renault realistically having spare seats for him to pursue.
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