Barrichello to contest Stock Car race in Brazil

25/09/2012

F1 favourite Rubens Barrichello has revealed that he is to take part in a Stock Car race in Brazil with the intention of raising money for charity.

The former Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda, Brawn and Williams driver will join Medley/Full Time Sports in the last round of the Brazilian Stock Car Championship in December at Interlagos.

The race, which will decide the 2012 championship, is worth $500,000 (£307,000) to the winner. Barrichello will be partnered by former GP2 driver Xandinho Negrao and will test the V8 480 bhp car at the Curitiba circuit on 15th October.

"I think I have watched every Stock Car race for a long time and knew that one day I would be there," said Barrichello. "This time, however, there is a strong reason to be part of it, as the company that backs Full Time Sports will give $115,000 (£70,000) to the Instituto Barrichello Kanaan, an NGO that helps public schools and social organisations with technical support, promoting citizenship through the sport."

Tipped to remain in Indycar in 2013, after finishing 12th in his debut season with KV Racing this year, Barrichello added: "It was not a difficult decision to accept the call from Medley/Full Time Sports. The poor children have already won even before the race begins..." referring to the IBKart project initiated by the Instituto Barrichello Kanaan which provides kart racing for children in the poorest neighbourhood of Interlagos.

"I believe we have a small Hamilton there", he added with a grin, clearly impressed by the talent of one particular youngster.

Better not tell Mercedes.