Barrichello F1 comeback scuppered by Caterham issues

Rubens Barrichello would have made a surprise return to F1 to drive for Caterham in the last three races of the season before the team entered administration.

Former team principal Manfredi Ravetto confirmed to Crash.net on Wednesday that a deal for Barrichello had already been reached which would have seen the 42 year old drive in Austin, Brazil and Abu Dhabi in place of Kamui Kobayashi.

However, with Caterham being handed over to the administrators and missing the United States and Brazilian grands prix, the opportunity for Barrichello to drive for the team fell through.

Sponsors were in place as part of the agreement, which was only a temporary deal until the end of this season and had no provision for 2015.

Barrichello has not raced in F1 since 2011 when he left Williams at the end of the season, but despite stints in IndyCar and Brazilian stock cars he has made no secret of his desire to return to the sport again. He remains the most experienced driver in F1 history with 322 grand prix starts.