Barrichello denies criticising Williams team

Dismissing reports he is frustrated and highly critical of Williams, Rubens Barrichello has likened his current situation to waiting for a marriage proposal.

Despite the sport now being in its August break, the Brazilian veteran has found himself the subject of intense speculation following some comments reported in the German and Italian media.

Specifically, amid rumours Adrian Sutil or Nico Hulkenberg might replace him, Corriere dello Sport quoted the 39-year-old as insisting: "I don’t know if I will continue next year in these conditions."

Barrichello told Brazil’s Globo Esporte during a karting day in Sao Paulo that the reports are not right.

"I have never spoken ill of the team," he said. "This has stemmed from the opinion of a German journalist who was mistranslated by the Italian press and then it’s credited to me.

"My interest is just the opposite — to continue the work we have been doing," added Barrichello.

He admitted however that he is still yet to ink a new contract for 2012 with the Oxfordshire based team.

Barrichello joked that the situation is like waiting for a marriage proposal.

"If Frank Williams wants to call my father to ask for my hand, he will give him the time, you can be sure," laughed the veteran of 318 grands prix who told his Twitter followers this week that he is ready to sign a new two-year deal.

"I believe that my presence on the team in 2012 will be beneficial to everyone," Barrichello continued. "The team is in a phase of restructuring and my experience can help in this process a lot."