http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=formula1/08/12/19/manual_093352.html Rubens Barrichello has revealed that offers have been flooding in to sign up for other championships, but the Brazilian feels he still has a lot to offer Formula One. Barrichello faced an uncertain future after Honda failed to offer him a new contract at the end of the season, however that became immaterial when the Japanese manufacturer decided to call their F1 operations to a halt. The 36-year-old admits Honda's announcement came as a complete surprise to him. "It was shocking. I couldn't believe it," he told Autosport. "It was more shocking than if they had called me to tell me they had chosen a driver different to myself or Bruno (Senna) someone even younger! "You could never have imagined that Honda would have these problems. I never heard anything about money so maybe that was a problem as well. Perhaps the budget was too much, with too many things to do. It was very strange." The Brazilian believes it would be a "shame" if some with his experience doesn't get an opportunity to show his real value. "I've talked to several people. It was funny that my telephone started to ring about different things as soon as Honda said they were pulling out," he said. "I had calls from the WTCC to the 24 Hours of Daytona it really started to ring. But my focus is completely on F1. For the love of speed I would do anything, even IRL, but I have unfinished business in F1. I am sure I can finish higher up, if not winning the Championship. "I really believe that is what I deserve. It would be a shame not to use the services of someone so eager to do it, plus with all the experience and the speed. It is the right time and it comes with the willingness to do well." Barrichello admits he was a little surprised that Honda didn't offer him a new contract after tying Button down to a new long-term deal. "I don't know where we lost ourselves in the first place for me having a contract," he said. "I should have had a deal a long time ago for next year. I still don't understand what went on in that period when they told me that they had signed Jenson (Button) because he was younger and had a long future ahead of him. "I said to them: wait a minute, I am here and if you propose to me a three-year contract I will sign. So where is the problem about the long term? "Then, there were different faces so I don't know which approach they had. A better year than I had, I don't think we could have had. They always knew I wanted to keep on doing it, especially after so many bad years. "I came from Ferrari to conquer something. At Ferrari they didn't give me the space, and at Honda I had the space but I didn't have the machinery. Now the car is looking better. The slicks are going to be good. So why stop?" go Button!
I understand and sympathise with RB. Unfortunately he had his WDC shot while at Ferrari, left for the promise of new and improved and fell short. I'm convinced he would have been a WDC if he had not followed his "the grass is greener on the other side" pulling. I dont think there are any teams shopping for; "Experienced". "Up and Coming" is on the list however.
Here we go again. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. I of course selfishly would love to see him stateside so I could get the chance to meet him (see: IRL) but he may end up with some type of F1 ride or position yet anyway. Time will tell. GO RB!
poor rubens coulda shoulda woulda. now he's gonna be forced out of f1 just like a regular schlub who couldn't cut it
I'm sure he has, but so have alot of others, I like RB, I'm sure it was hard to play 2nd fiddle to MS, the joke it was sometimes, he has enough cash no need to prove anything more.
Same as Button. It will be good to see him struggling to find a ride since he can't even keep up with RB LMAO! MB
