Full Throttle

Certainly part of Rubens Barrichello’s loyalty to Ferrari is a possible opportunity to assume the #1 role at the end of Schumacher’s contract in 2006. If this rumor turns out to be true look for Ruebens to move on to another team.

According to Gazetta dello Sport Michael and Ferrari team boss Jean Todt have been talking about an extension to his current contract as well as discussing drivers that could possibly replace him in the near future. “To tell you the truth, Jean at the moment is talking with me about extending my contract,” Schumacher said. And on the subject of replacements Schumacher replied, “Sometimes we talk about drivers, but in very general terms.”

During the official FIA press conference on the Thursday of the San Marino Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher was asked about the rumored contract extension:

Q: Can you clear up the story about the discussions with Jean Todt concerning the extension to your contract? Is that the case?

MS: You have to put it from the start. The question was does Ferrari talk about Fernando. I said that from my point of view, they talk less about Fernando rather than Jean having conversations in private relationship about my future. These are more the subject than talk about other drivers.

Q: So you are actually in discussion about an extension to your contract.

MS: I have had a private chat, we are not in discussions. It is quite open to me about when and what time I want to extend my contract. I think it