Even though Honda's future was still to be decided, sections of the media clearly believed that whatever happened, Rubens Barrichello's F1 career was at an end.

While there was continued speculation as to who might buy the team and who might sponsor it, sections of the media were adamant that once the deal was done it would be Bruno Senna who would partner Jenson Button, not Barrichello. Indeed, it was even claimed that a group of Brazilian sponsors was considering buying the Brackley team in an effort to get Senna an F1 drive, a prospect that had Bernie Ecclestone salivating. But it was not to be.

As Senna, his options already dwindling, heads off in search of a drive, possibly in DTM, Barrichello, the most experienced driver in the history of F1, is back, and boy is he delighted.

"People said I was done, that nobody wanted me," writes Barrichello on his website. "There was one who wrote that Bruno Senna had already signed for three years with the team, an absurd story where the desperate (reporter) tried to get a beat without having any basis or source.

"The important thing is that during this period of hard times I kept my faith, worked my body hard and kept quiet, speaking only to the team's personnel.

"To say that I was sure when I declared at the Brazilian GP that that race was not my last one would be too much," he admitted, "but something told me it wasn't."

With just two tests scheduled before the season opener in Melbourne, Barrichello knows that he and his team are up against it, however, it is a challenge he clearly relishes.

"I start the year very anxious, because we'll have only a few tests before the first race, but with a car that will be fast and with a very good Mercedes motor behind us. I'm looking forward to it."