SPIELBERG, Austria -- Rubens Barrichello is still dreaming of becoming Formula One world champion after Ferrari said that he
will be world champion Michael Schumacher's teammate for two more years.
"Yes. Even if people think there is no way, I have this thing inside myself," the Brazilian replied when asked at the Austrian Grand Prix
whether he felt he could win the title one day.
"You have to have dreams in life."
The new deal, a vote of confidence in the Brazilian that covers the 2003 and 2004 seasons, kept intact the partnership with four-times
champion Schumacher and Ferrari's key inner circle.
Schumacher, whose contract runs out in 2004 when those of key technical staff are also up for renewal, insisted he had no say in the
decision but welcomed it.
"I'm very happy. I think he's done a fantastic job for us. He's a good teammate, we are good partners and have a good relationship," the
German told reporters crowded into the Ferrari motorhome.
"You have to keep stability at the right moment and I think we are in a very good moment. There is no need to change anything."
Ending rumors
Barrichello, who has not always been comfortable as Schumacher's teammate and clear number two in the pecking order, said he now felt
part of a happy family.
"It's lovely. We have a really good team which works together more like a family," he said. "There's no need to talk. We look and we know
what each other wants to say.
"There was no need for a big conversation (with Ferrari) ... so I'm just pleased to be here for another couple of years -- at least.
"I feel part of the family, they feel the same way."
The 29-year-old, who became the first Brazilian to race for Ferrari when he joined them in 2000, was third overall in the driver's
championship last season but has finished only once in five races so far this season.
The announcement ends rumors suggesting Ferrari could look to change Schumacher's teammate for next season.
"There has been a lot of B.S. in the press," said Barrichello. "The two years shows that Ferrari is as committed to me as much as I am to
them."
Barrichello turns 30 later this month and has collected just one win in 152 career starts but he does not believe that he still has a lot to prove.
"I feel that I have done a hell of a lot if you think that I drive alongside Michael, who has all the titles and everything.
"I just feel that I am getting better and better."
There was a fitting symbolism in Ferrari choosing to back Barrichello ahead of the Austrian race. It was at Spielberg last season that Ferrari ordered him to cede second place to Schumacher, with the season still in its infancy. He did so, but only after several reminders and months later, after he had been confirmed for 2002, it was clear the incident still rankled with
him.
Barrichello has rarely been given free rein at Ferrari, a team built around Schumacher, and has struggled to assert himself.
When he went faster than Schumacher in practice at Imola last month, the German simply took the car Barrichello had been driving and put
it on pole.
Nevertheless, Barrichello said much had changed since last year's Austrian Grand Prix.
"If you look back 12 months ago, probably we wouldn't have signed for another three years," said Barrichello. "But now we are here and it
just sums up the thing.
"I am feeling very good inside the team. There was a moment last year when it felt a bit strange but I am entitled to have my opinion.
"I won't say yes to everything."