Formula One's Loss Could Be IndyCar's gain

So it looks as though Rubens Barrichello will be crossing the threshold and heading to America to test the new Dallara DW12 IndyCar.

While question marks will hover over this apparent decision, he is just the latest in a long line of drivers to consider the switch from Formula One to its American rival series, and it looks like he won't be the last. Famously, Nigel Mansell left F1 as world champion and went to CART (as the IndyCar championship was known at the time) becoming the only person to hold both championship titles.

Barrichello won eleven grands prix in a Formula One career that spanned from 1993 until the end of the 2011 season. His 322 starts make him the most experienced F1 driver in history, however the thirty-nine year old has now found himself pushed out of the Williams team in favour of the younger and more sponsor-friendly Bruno Senna.

But why move towards Indycar? Well part of the answer boils down to Rubens' vast experience. He is an immensely likeable character on and off the grid, and there were whispers that the Williams mechanics preferred him over Senna, as his technical knowledge could have helped in the development of the car.

However, the IndyCar series is currently going through a transitionary period, with the introduction of a new car bringing with it natural teething problems, such as difficulties in finding balance. And it is little issues such as these which play perfectly to Barrichello's strengths at setting up a car and getting the best out of the machinery he has to hand.

Barrichello will be testing KV Racing Technology, a team which is on the up having achieved fifth in the standings last year with 2004 IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan. 

For the last two seasons KV have also employed Takuma Sato, like Barrichello a former F1 man, showing their faith in drivers with a background in the Europe based championship.

It is arguable whether this is a risk for Barrichello. If testing is successful and he opts for a full-time drive in IndyCar, he can only build upon an already impressive career. Bear in mind this was a man considered a protege of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna, and thought good enough to partner the mercurial Michael Schumacher during his period of dominance at Ferrari.

For all of his flaws, it's easy to forget that Barrichello was twice runner-up in the world championship to his more illustrious stablemate at the Scuderia. Ross Brawn even considered his professionalism and experience essential to the 'one-year wonder' that was the 2009 constructors' title winning Brawn GP team. 

So good luck to Rubens. He will be sorely missed on the paddock. Formula One's loss could well be IndyCar's gain.

By Simon Boyce. Simon Boyce is a motorsport enthusiast and freelance writer. You can follow Simon on Twitter: @BoyceF1.

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