Ferrari have finally announced that
Rubens Barrichello had signed a two-year extension to his
contract that will see him drive for the Scuderia until
the end of 2006.
Barrichello's existing deal had been due to expire at the
end of this season and there had been speculation that Ferrari
would look to move him on as they seek to find a long-term
replacement for Schumacher. Barrichello also had expressed
his concern that whilst the other key players in the team
had had their contract renewed, he was still waiting for
his.
The popular Brazilian had been linked with a move to Williams
as a replacement for Juan Pablo Montoya but the British
team will now have to look elsewhere.
He joined Ferrari in 2000, since when the team
has won the drivers' and constructors' championships every
year. He has had to support team-mate Michael Schumacher who
has won the last four titles and this has caused him to voice
his discontent on several occasions.
Speaking at the team’s annual press meeting
at Madonna di Campiglio, Barrichello said: "I expect
to win races and I expect to fulfill my dream which is winning
a world championship – at least one. By signing the
contract I have at least another three chances of winning
the championship."
This year Barrichello will be 32 years old,
already one of the older drivers on the grid. But he says
his best is yet to come.
"I haven't yet arrived at the top of my
performance. I'm moving forward. I'll be 34 in 2006 but if
I still have the determination and the calmness that I have
found then for sure I will want to continue."
Barrichello joined Ferrari after his F1 career
was rescued by Jackie Stewart and, despite initial fears that
he would not be tough enough to withstand the psychological
pressure of being in the same team as Schumacher, he quickly
proved his worth. He took his first grand prix victory at
Hockenheim that year and has out-qualified and out-raced the
German on a number of occasions. However, he has proved to
be a loyal team player. The World Champion must find him a
much more comfortable prospect as a team mate than some young
and hungry "hot shoe".
A Ferrari statement simply read: "Ferrari
have extended their agreement with the driver Rubens Barrichello
to cover the 2005 and 2006 seasons."
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