Axed Williams driver Rubens Barrichello will test for Indycar team KV Racing next week, as the Brazilian driver begins his search for racing options beyond the Formula One grid, saying that he still has "lots of speed" to offer.
Barrichello was hoping to secure a 20th consecutive season on the Formula One grid in 2012, at the tender young age of 39.
But the Brazilian lost his drive with the Williams team, after they opted to sign Bruno Senna alongside Pastor Maldonado.
The loss of his drive with Williams has left Barrichello with virtually no chance of remaining in the sport for next season, with only one seat at backmarkers HRT still available.
The Spanish team are certain to opt for a pay driver alongside Pedro de la Rosa, with moneyed Dutchman Giedo van der Garde considered the favourite for the seat.
And with his F1 options dwindling, Barrichello will instead take part in next week's Indycar test at the Sebring circuit.
The test has not been officially confirmed by either the team or driver, but a report from the Speed TV website in America said that 'a source' within the KV Racing team confirmed the test.
Barrichello tweeted last week that he still felt he could offer something to a race team.
"I want to thank everyone for the support and the nice messages I have received," he rambled to his followers.
"When I said that things were open [in my future, it] is because I still have lot's[sic] of speed on[sic] me."
Barrichello will reportedly drive for KV Racing alongside fellow Brazilian and close friend Tony Kanaan, driving on both Monday and Tuesday at the test.
According to the Speed report, he has already had a seat fitting at the team's HQ.
Barrichello had previously suggested that he was not interested in a switch to Indycar, saying earlier this month that his wife did not want him racing on ovals.
“For sure I will not race on the American ovals," he was quoted as saying, "I have promised that to my wife and I will honour that."
However, the Indycar series is increasingly moving away from oval-based racing, with only four of the 15 scheduled events in 2012 set to take place on the tracks.
And the Brazilian could theoretically come to a deal where he only competes on the remaining eleven street and road courses only.
Barrichello's test will see him take the wheel of one of KV Racing's new Dallara DW12 cars, named after Dan Wheldon following his death in a crash in the championship finale last October.
The new car is part of Indycar's new regulations for 2012, which have also seen a number of new engine suppliers join the grid. Barrichello's KV car will be Chevrolet-powered.
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