Barrichello aims for title

The Brazilian joined the Italian team in 2000, but has had to support team-mate Michael Schumacher, who has won the last four titles. However, Barrichello believes that he can win the title before the end of 2006.

"I expect to win races and I expect to fulfil my dream which is winning a world championship - at least one," said Barrichello. "By signing the contract I have at least another three chances of winning the championship."

Barrichello insists that he is still improving as a driver, and has hinted that he would like to stay at Ferrari past 2006, when Schumacher is likely to retire.

"Winning is part of our job," he said. "You never know is the car is going to be good enough or not but I've signed because I think I can do the job and they believe in me just as much as I believe in them.

"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."