Ex-Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Rubens Barrichello will enter the upcoming World KZ karting final in Sweden at the beginning of next month.
Barrichello made his F1 debut in 1993 and enjoyed an 18-year spell that saw him make more race starts than any driver in the history of the sport.
The Brazilian spent a year in IndyCar with KV Racing before moving into the Brazilian stock car series, winning the title in 2014.
Barrichello will now return to his roots, entering the World KZ karting final from August 31 to September 4 in Kristianstad, Sweden.
“At 44 years of age, I never thought of competing in a karting championship,” Barrichello said.
“When I told my children, they were very enthusiastic.
“It’s a great dream which is about to come true. I’m training a lot and my commitment is 100 per cent, just like on the eve of a F1 grand prix.”
Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr. welcomed the news on Twitter, but said he hoped Barrichello’s entry would not be blocked on grounds of experience.
So cool that @rubarrichello is racing the KZ world Champs this year!! I hope @fia doesn't stop him racing there because of his experience.
— Nelson Piquet Jr. (@NelsonPiquet) August 6, 2016
Piquet was set to race in the FIA European F3 Championship round at Pau earlier this year, only to be prevented from racing by the FIA, believing his entry to be against the spirit of a junior racing series.