Schumacher Happy with Barrichello's Renewal

World Champion Michael Schumacher has shown his delight with Ferrari's decision to renew Rubens Barrichello's contract until the end of the 2004 season.

29-year old Barrichello had a contract to drive for Ferrari until the end of this year, but on Thursday the Italian squad announced they had reached an agreement for the Brazilian to continue to partner Schumacher for two more seasons.

Schumacher, who has been Barrichello's teammate since the start of the 2000 season and who is also contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2004, was delighted with the announcement and claimed no other driver could do a better job.

"I am very happy about Rubens' news," said Schumacher. "He has been doing a fantastic job for us and is a good teammate. We make a good partnership and have an excellent relationship and it is fantastic that we will continue working together.

"The team is happy with him, hence the two year contract rather than just one. It is very good for the team to have this stability as it is going through a good period right now. Although I had no input at all in the decision to keep him - I was told about it after the new deal was agreed. I cannot see anyone doing a better job than Rubens right now."

Barrichello has only won one race with Ferrari - the 2000 German Grand Prix - but this year he has been closer than ever to Schumacher, who leads the Championship after winning four races.