Brazilian veteran may trade places with 21-year-old American

German newspaper Bild claims that Rubens Barrichello is being courted by the Andretti Green IndyCar team, with a view to racing for them in 2009. The Brazilian’s current contract with Honda (who also equip Andretti Green with engines) runs out at the end of this season.

Barrichello would go to IRL in exchange for Marco Andretti (pictured above), the 21-year-old son of former McLaren driver Michael Andretti. Michael had a terrible time in F1, but Marco is reportedly a more talented driver than his old man – he has already tested in a Honda F1 car, in December 2006 and then in February 2007. His lap times were not that far behind those set by Jenson Button.

This deal makes a lot of sense to Grid Crasher. Barrichello is not having much fun in F1 these days: his car is mediocre and his team-mate (Button) is outperforming him on a regular basis. A fresh challenge in the IRL would be just the tonic to revive his flagging career.