Ferrari driver Rubbens Barrichello has committed his long-term future to the Italian team by signing a new contract that will see him through until the end of the 2006 season.
The Brazilian ace's deal was to expire at the end of the 2004 season but he will now partner World Champion Michael Schumacher for a further two years and has ended speculation about a possible new face at the Italian-based team.
Barrichello said "I'm very proud, I have done this at the right moment in my career and it is another step forward. Clearly Ferrari are happy with my work and I am happy here with Ferrari. Another two years is not a question of security because there is still a lot of work to do," he added.
The Brazilian managed to bag two victories last season winning at Silverstone and in the Japanese Grand Prix but finished a disappointing fourth overall in the drivers' championship. Ferrari have won the constructor's title in all three seasons since Barrichello joined them from Stewart in 2000 after beginning his career in Formula One with Jordan.
With Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya confirming earlier that he would be moving from Williams to McLaren at the end of 2004 a number of drivers had been linked with a possible move to Barrichello's slot, however today's news will end all such speculation.
Filed by Rob Wright
