Barrichello demands ’big’ progress for 2012

Rubens Barrichello has flagged the likelihood of spending a third consecutive season with Williams in 2012.

The Grove based team is suffering a tough transitional period this season, in the process of splitting with Sam Michael and setting in a new direction with the formerly-banned McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan.

But 39-year-old Barrichello, whose eighteen seasons and more than 300 grands prix makes him the most experienced driver in F1 history, is preparing to sign up for another year.

But ITV quotes him as suggesting 2012 will be Williams’ last chance.

"Next year it’s got to be a big improvement, it’s got to be a big thing, and I want to be part of it as I have been for the last two years and that’s why I want to be present to make sure that we are actually making the step up," he said.