Williams talks leave Barrichello in limbo

Speculation is increasing over the future of veteran driver Rubens Barrichello after Williams shareholder Toto Wolff has confirmed that the team is negotiating with Kimi Raikkonen over a potential return to Formula One.

Rumours have been rife for a number of weeks that Raikkonen was keen on a move back to the sport having not raced since leaving Ferrari at the end of 2009. In that time he has tried his hand at rallying and NASCAR, but Williams appears to be the most likely destination for a return in 2012.

Williams has suffered a wretched season, scoring only five points with 39-year-old Barrichello managing only two top-ten finishes. He said recently he had been assured a decision would be made before the season finale in front of his home fans in Brazil.

Team chairman Adam Parr refused to be drawn, stating: ''Our race drivers are Pastor Maldonado and Rubens Barrichello and if, and when, that changes we will make an appropriate announcement."

However, he admitted in India that Raikkonen would be a good fit for the team as it looks to rebuild after a poor season, and Wolff has now said that talks are ongoing with the 2007 world champion, as well as Ferrari reserve driver Jules Bianchi.

"Yes, it's true," Wolff told Kronen Zeitung. "The Kimi Raikkonen file is on the table. The story is not for show, we are negotiating seriously, but it is only one of several options. There will be a strategic decision.

"But there is another aggressive option with the boy Jules Bianchi, and Valtteri Bottas is worthy of consideration at least for Friday's practice."

ESPNF1