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Barrichello Reveals McLaren Inquiry in November 2009

Rubens Barrichello switched teams prior to the start of the 2010 Formula One season, leaving the title-winning Brawn organization for a leading spot in the Williams F1 Team. However, before agreeing to the Williams deal, the Brazilian veteran was reportedly asked by McLaren Mercedes if he would be willing to drive for the Woking based team this season.

And it's not some media making these allegations, but Barrichello himself to reveal the offer. According to his latest sayings, the current record holder in contested F1 grands prix told the reporters present in Valencia – for the testing meeting at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit – that he received a phone call from McLaren before the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix.

They (McLaren) called me a couple of times in November at the Brazilian race, to see if I was available,” admitted Barrichello, according to a news report from the GMM agency.

However, the former Brawn GP driver said he was pretty sure McLaren were talking to a bunch of drivers at the time, not only him, and that eventually made him accept the Williams offer.

If they called me, I'm sure they called him (Button) at the same time. I'm sure they were questioning as soon as (Kimi) Raikkonen dropped out of the case, and I'm sure they went on to ask more people, not just us,” added the 37-year old driver.

Weeks later, it was his very teammate that took the offer seriously and signed a 3-year deal with McLaren Mercedes, leaving Ross Brawn without a single of his former title-winning drivers for the 2010 campaign. Well, if you consider the fact that this decision led to Michael Schumacher returning to F1 with Mercedes, we can only thank Barrichello for his option.
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