Barrichello hopes for Ferrari deal
LONDON, England -- Brazilian Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello hopes to settle his future with Ferrari before the new season starts in March.
"We are starting talks now," Barrichello, whose contract expires at the end of 2004, told Autosport magazine.
"What I want is to get to the start of the championship, at the beginning of March, with my future sorted out."
Barrichello won two races last season, finishing fourth in the drivers' standings and helping teammate Michael Schumacher win his fifth world title.
Since joining Ferrari in 2000 he has won eight races in total.
"I have created for myself a situation everyone thought was impossible to have at Ferrari alongside Michael Schumacher. I have a very good situation. I have the same status as Michael and I am very happy here," said Barrichello.
"We are very happy with him," said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt. "He has improved a lot with the team and we don't see any particular reason not to move forward as we are."
