Rubens Barrichello to Indy

SAO PAULO, March 1, 2012 (AFP) - Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello will race in the American Indy Car series this season after his 19-year Formula One career came juddering to a halt.

The 39-year-old Barrichello, who was dropped by F1 outfit Williams for the 2012 season, will race for the KV Racing Technology team along side Tony Kanaan.

"I was at Sebring when Rubens first got into an Indy car. The smile when he got out of the car was a great moment and lasted for three days," said KVRT co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven.

"Rubens ended up the fastest at the end of the test, showing the speed he is capable of and his experience setting up a car. Teamed with his "brother"

Tony Kanaan this is going to be an exciting and successful season for the drivers, the team and the fans."

The Brazilian also commented on his move: "I am thrilled, it is something very new to me."

"I need to thank everyone involved, especially Tony [Kanaan] because he has been involved for a long time. I will start as a rookie, but I think I will get better as the year progresses.

"My main thing is to be an addition to the team. They have been doing very well and Tony brought them to a different level last year, so I hope with my contribution we can build on this and take the team to another level. I am extremely happy and have a big smile on my face."

Barrichello, who made his F1 debut in 1993, started 322 races in Formula One, winning 11 events. He was runner-up in the Formula One championship in 2002 and 2004. 

The opening Indy Car race takes place in St Petersburg in Florida on March 25.