Rubens Barrichello commits to full IndyCar season with KV Racing
Rubens Barrichello will race full-time in the IndyCar Series with KV Racing in 2012, it was announced on Thursday
The most experienced driver in Formula 1 history will contest the full season - including ovals - driving the #8 entry for the team co-owned by 1996 CART champion Jimmy Vasser.
"I am thrilled, it is something very new to me," Barrichello said. "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."
KV also confirmed that Kanaan, who joined from Andretti Autosport ahead of the 2011 season, will remain with the team for the next two years.
"I am very excited to be returning to KV Racing Technology not only with a two year deal but also to have Rubens as my team-mate," Kanaan said.
"We have always dreamed about racing together but never imagined it would actually happen and certainly not in the near future or in Indycars."
Team co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven added: "I was at Sebring when Rubens first got into an Indycar. The smile when he got out of the car was a great moment and lasted for three days.
"Teamed with his 'brother' Tony Kanaan this is going to be an exciting season for the drivers, the team and the fans."
Barrichello has tested several times for KV in recent weeks, most recently at Sears Point last weekend. On the final day of running, his best lap was 0.9s adrift of the pace set by Penske's Will Power.
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