Barrichello Expects To Drive For Former Honda Team

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello expects to be thrown a Formula One lifeline once Honda confirm the survival of their team.

"My faith says that next week I'll be driving a competitive car in the tests in Barcelona -- although I have no document in my hands that assures me of that," he told Sao Paulo's O Estado newspaper on Tuesday.

"I've lived four months of waiting and I'm not going to celebrate before crossing the finish line."

While Barrichello was optimistic of staying with the team, compatriot Bruno Senna -- the 36-year-old's rival for the position -- was quoted as saying he would have to consider other options.

"I'm kind of resigned to trying something else," he told the newspaper. "I had a meeting today (Monday) with Ross Brawn and he cancelled.

"I'm just a little upset because this situation has dragged on for so long, making me lose better professional possibilities.

"Now I'm going to get together with my family, with my advisors, and decide what way to take."

Barrichello is Formula One's most experienced driver but his career appeared to be over at the end of last season when Senna, nephew of the late triple champion Ayrton, was handed a Honda test.

However, Honda's decision in December to pull out of the sport and sell the British-based team has revived the former Ferrari driver's hopes of adding to his record number of starts.

With the most significant rule changes in decades and no testing allowed during the season under new cost-cutting measures, Barrichello's experience has made him a more attractive option than the rookie Senna.

If confirmed, Barrichello looks sure to partner Britain's Jenson Button in an unchanged lineup.

Honda have yet to confirm the sale of the team but, with the season starting in Australia on March 29, a management buyout led by team principal Ross Brawn appears imminent.

McLaren's partners Mercedes have agreed to provide the engines and the car could have a private shakedown at Silverstone on Friday.

O Estado said Barrichello, who has had a close relationship with Brawn since their days together at Ferrari, was in Britain awaiting developments.

The newspaper added that an announcement was expected on Thursday, with the revived team scheduled to hold their first test of the year in Barcelona next week.

There was no comment from the team.