Sutil, Barrichello still in dark over 2012 seats

As the 2011 season nears its end, two veterans remain in the dark as to whether their careers will extend beyond November's Brazil finale.

Force India's Vijay Mallya is refusing to lift the lid on his 2012 driver plans until mid December, and so German Adrian Sutil told the SID news agency that he hopes his forthcoming performances will do the talking.

Rubens Barrichello, Williams F1 Team

Photo by: xpb.cc

"Anything other than points finishes are not interesting," said Sutil, who has been with the Silverstone based team since his debut five years ago.

"Most of the (other) cockpits are already taken, so we will have to see how the situation develops," he admitted. "Life goes on."

As for F1's most experienced driver, Rubens Barrichello, he is grappling not only with the uncertainty but also the paddock's rising excitement about the possible 2012 return of former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

A big banner in the grandstands at Suzuka made clear that the Finn's fans want him to replace Brazilian Barrichello at Williams.

But "I don't think anyone, including Kimi, can offer more (to Williams) than what I can", the 39-year-old is quoted by Brazil's Globo Esporte at Suzuka.

Barrichello said that if he is required to, he will look for sponsors to take to the British team for 2012.

"If the team says it's necessary, I will work for that," he revealed. "But they have not said that this is what they require.

"Of course I have some talks with some other teams. I would love to drive a fast car and some teams have that for next year."