SAUBER RULES OUT BARRICHELLO RETURN
Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has ruled out any possibility of Rubens Barrichello returning to the Formula 1 grid with her team in 2014.
Barrichello, the most experienced driver in F1 history, had been linked with Sauber during the Korean Grand Prix build-up, both for next season and a possible return for his home grand prix in Brazil in November.
Although AUTOSPORT understands that privately the team did not consider Barrichello as a realistic option, Kaltenborn had left the door open when quizzed about the rumour on Thursday.
But after qualifying she told reporters that her equivocal comments were just motivated by respect for the veteran Brazilian.
"I am ruling out that he would drive for us. Maybe it is better if one is that clear about it," Kaltenborn was quoted as saying by Reuters.
"I have a lot of respect for Rubens, and I didn't think it was right that I just so abruptly say 'No, we are not going to talk.'"
AUTOSPORT understands that Barrichello approached Sauber with a budget in the region of $15 million.
The future of the team's current drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez is uncertain, with the German linked to several other drives.
Sauber has committed to running Russian teenager Sergey Sirotkin, the protege of the team's new investors, next season if he is ready for a race seat.
Barrichello last raced in F1 with Williams in 2011, turning to first IndyCar then Brazil's V8 Stock Car series when he lost his drive.
He made it clear in a Twitter post on Saturday morning that he was still keen to make a comeback.
"Lots of things have being said this week about a possible F1 return," the 41-year-old wrote. "The truth is: if there is an opportunity, I'm in."
Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn employed Barrichello at both Ferrari and Honda/Brawn in the 2000s.
Asked about the possibility of his ex-driver returning to F1, Brawn replied: "Well, it would be very entertaining I'm sure. I love to see him in the paddock, he is always good fun.
"He's a real enthusiast and he was still pretty quick when he stopped."
SOURCE: Autosport
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