Ferreri have confirmed that Brazil's Rubens Barrichello will drive for them until the end of the 2004 season. The Italian based outfit announced the news in Austria today ahead of Sunday's grand prix to end weeks of speculation about Barrichello's future. The 29-year-old's contract will now run-out at the same stage as team-mate Michael Schumacher.
The new deal comes on the anniversary of arguably the most disappointing moment of his Ferrari career when he was ordered to move over in Austria last year to give Schumacher second place. Barrichello is currently in his third season with the Italian team after replacing Britain's Eddie Irvine.
The Sao Paulo-born driver began his career with Jordan in 1993 before joining Stewart in 1997. Barrichello's only victory of his 152-race career came for Ferrari in Germany two years ago. The new contract is a reward for his loyal support to four-time champion Schumacher, apart from 12 months ago when he was clearly disappointed at the imposition of team orders so early in the championship.
Barrichello, 30 later this month, is currently sixth in the drivers' standings with six points - 38 adrift of his team-mate – after suffering reliability problems during the early season races.
Filed by Shane Murray
