Ferrari in Talks to Renew Barrichello's Contract

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has hinted that Brazilian Rubens Barrichello could stay with the Italian squad beyond his current contract.

Barrichello, who has been with Ferrari since the start of the 2000 season, has a contract with the World Champions until the end of next year. Di Montezemolo, however, said that both parties were negotiating and that a contract extension would be signed at the appropriate time.

"With Barrichello we have the agreement until 2004, but we are in talks. At the right time we'll sign," di Montezemolo told Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.

Di Montezemolo also said that Ferrari were always looking at the drivers' market, but admitted they were happy with their current line-up.

"Of course we look around us and to the future: we keep aware of what happens on the racetrack," he said. "But at the moment we don't have any problems with the drivers. Michael (Schumacher), kind of jokingly, told me and Jean Todt that if it is necessary to talk about a renewal of the contract ending in 2006, he's ready to discuss his future."