Barrichello signs to race IndyCars

Barrichello will enter all 16 races on the calendar (GETTY IMAGES)

The Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello is to race in IndyCars this season. The Brazilian, 39, has a two-year deal with KV Racing Technology and will make his debut at the 25 March season-opener in St Petersburg, Florida.

"I'm very competitive and I'm not doing this just for fun, but I'll keep my feet on the ground in the beginning because I'll be a rookie despite of all my previous racing experience," Barrichello said.

He will enter all 16 races on the calendar, including five on oval tracks which he had considered skipping over safety concerns.