Rubens Barrichello insists 2012 contract talks with Williams are underway, despite no confirmation as to whether he will remain with the outfit for another season.
The Brazilian recently admitted he would jump at the chance for a new deal, but speculation has linked Bruno Senna, Adrian Sutil and rookie Giedo van der Garde with his seat – all of which come with significant financial backing.
Speaking in Monza on Thursday, the 39-year-old admitted talks were going slower than he had hoped, but they were underway.
“We are talking day by day,” he said. “We just need to see. I wish we had done a deal already but it is taking a little longer, but so far there is nothing else to add, I am just working very hard to see what we can do as soon as possible.
“It is very flat in a way. I think that the team is taking everything into perspective, they know what I can offer. There is nothing else I can report, really. I am still waiting.”
He did however cast some doubts over his motivation to stay with the team if the results remain the same, but changes for the 2012 season, including a management change and a new engine deal, offer some hope.
“I have to see how competitive everything is. [Another] year like this, to be working for another year like this in my 20th year, I need something better.
“I feel the team is doing better with the engine change and the personnel change and everything, so I can see a good light at the end of the tunnel but I just want to continue because people want me to and they know I can win.”
