Rubens Barrichello is the next Formula 1 star to leave the glamorous sport in search of a a better career in America.

The Brazilian has signed with KV Racing Technology to race a full season in 2012 IZOD IndyCar alongside friend and fellow Brazilian Tony Kanann.

Barrichello will pilot the No. 8 BMC | Embrase – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone machine. Kanaan will drive the #11 GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS – KV Racing Technology car for 10 races.

Rubens has never won a world championship in F1, but he is F1’s most experienced driver with 322 starts out of 326 races, achieved during his 19 years of presence in Formula 1 from 1993 to 2011. In that time he scored 11 victories, 14 pole podiums, 68 podiums performances, 106 top-five finishes and172 top-10 showings.

The 40-year-old F1 veteran is completely new to IndyCar though,and might need some time to get his feet grounded. He might want to call J.P. Montoya for little advice!

He’s going to have much more fun in Indy than in F1 though, that’s for sure.

“I am thrilled, it is something very new to me,” Barrichello said.  “I need to thank everyone involved, especially Tony because he has been involved for a long time.  I would also like to thank my sponsors, BMC, Embrase and Locaweb for their help.  This is a new experience, but I am very very happy.  With all my experience I will start as a rookie, but I think I will get better as the year progresses.  My main thing is to be an addition to KV Racing Technology.  They have been doing very well and Tony brought the team to a different level last year, so I hope with my contribution we can build on this and take the team to another level.  I am extremely happy and have a big smile on my face.”