Rubens Barrichello says F1 not a closed chapter for him despite no 2012 deal

The Brazilian was dropped by Williams in favour of Bruno Senna earlier this year, but wasted little time in looking at other racing options.

And after a positive three days of testing for KV Racing at Sebring last month, Barrichello will return to the cockpit of an IndyCar at Sears Point this weekend as efforts are made to sort out a deal.

But despite that move, Barrichello has told this week's AUTOSPORT in an exclusive interview that he does not believe his time in F1 has come to an end.

Making reference to the comebacks of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen, Barrichello said: "I'm leaving my mind very open, I'm leaving my mind probably the same way Schumacher had (when he left), and how Kimi left his mind.

"You never know what might happen. And if I'm not in Formula 1 anymore, I'm going to be around. I want to say goodbye when I'm 60 or something!"

He added: "You never know what Formula 1 is about. People know what I'm capable of and I'm an experienced driver. With so little testing that's obviously high on the list. Last year was hard because all of the contracts were already set."

Barrichello has no hard feelings against Senna for being chosen against him, but has expressed some 'disappointment' about the way Williams handled him not being retained.

Keen not to dwell on that, however, Barrichello has also revealed that he is ready to commit to a full programme of IndyCar - which will include five ovals that it had been previously thought he would not compete because of safety fears expressed by his family.

For a full interview with Rubens Barrichello, where he talks about why F1 is not finished for him, his Williams struggles, life at Brawn and Ferrari plus his future IndyCar plans, see this week's AUTOSPORT.