Barrichello in contract talks

Rubens Barrichello was notably absent from the list when Ferrari announced the renewal of contracts of Michael Schumacher, Jean Todt and other key team members through to 2006. The Brazilian is set to race for Ferrari next year but its been speculated that the Scuderia is looking for a younger replacement come 2005. However, Barrichello is in negotiations for the future.

"With Barrichello we have an agreement until 2004, but we are talking and when the time is right we'll sign," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. "Of course we look around and look ahead -- we pay attention what happens on the track. But at the moment we don't have any problems with the drivers."

Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella, who will drive for the Ferrari powered Sauber team next year, have both been linked with a move to Ferrari in 2005. Peter Sauber has not ruled out the possibility of either driver testing for Ferrari -- Massa spent 2003 as test driver for the Maranello squad, a role many believe was in preparation for a future race seat with Ferrari.

Barrichello, however, is not worrying about what may happen and his negotiations with Ferrari could put a stop to anyone else moving into his seat. "For now, I'm keeping my feet on the ground and getting on with my work without worrying about the expiration of my contract," Rubens said recently.

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