Ex-Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello’s son Eduardo will race in the 2019 Cooper Tyres USF2000 Championship.
The young Barrichello, 17, will drive for Miller Vinatieri Motorsports two-car team alongside Jack William Miller, son of former Indy car driver Dr. Jack Miller.
Barrichello’s move is the first step on the Road to Indy development ladder sanctioned by IndyCar, and he switches from US Formula 4 championship, having scored four top 10 finishes in 17 races last year.
“I am excited to join Miller Vinatieri Motorsports and the USF2000 program in 2019,” said Barrichello.
“The Road to Indy programme is something that I have followed throughout karting, and to finally be able to take part in it is something special.
“The plan is to get lots of testing under my belt before the first race of the season, but I can tell you that I am already counting down the days to [the opening round] St. Petersburg.”
“We are very pleased to have Eduardo join the MVM family,” Jack Miller, team co-owner along with Indianapolis Colts NFL player Adam Vinatieri told IndyCar.com.
“Eduardo is son of former Formula 1 star Rubens Barrichello and their family bond is unmistakable. It rings true having my son as a second-generation driver, so I am confident Eduardo and the whole Barrichello family will fit perfectly into our operation.
“We will be running our first season in the USF2000 ranks, but we have put together an excellent and experienced crew and engineer, making a great platform for Eduardo as he begins his march up the Road to Indy ladder.”
Rubens Barrichello, who competed in IndyCar during the 2012 season, added: “I met Jack during the F4 season and we had an instant connection.
“Jack has a love and passion for the sport, similar as I do, and combined with the love for our kids, it made perfect sense.
“We are very excited to enter the USF2000 series and Road to Indy programme as it is the perfect next step for Eduardo and his racing career.”