Rubens signs a 2-year deal

Heh! Announced today. This one surprised me. I really thought Massa would be at Ferrari in 2005. But as of now, both seats at McLaren and both seats at Ferrari are taken 'till the end of 2006. Williams have not signed anyone though (Ralf looks close, but not there just yet). Those youngsters'd better start impressing Frankie soon!

I was shocked to see Rubens had extended his deal too, he must surely realise Ferrari won't let him win the championship as long as MS is there?

I'm with Ferrari until 2006 in the hope that one day I will be world champion. It has been a privilege to race alongside Michael and for me there's no problem - its my motivation.

I don't know why, but he hopes to win a championship. And to be fair, he has as good a chance with Ferrari (with or without MS) as anywhere else ;)

Argh! Ferrari simply aren't going to hire anyone who can actually challenge MS, their number two will always have to where Scuderia knee pads.....if you know what I mean. :evillol:

Is MS staying til the end of 2006, or did he privately say 2004???

His contract is until the end of 2006. Whether he'll retire earlier or not - only he knows. And he has said numerous times that he has no intention of retiring any time soon.

If KR, JPM and Alonso start spanking him this year, he might think sooner.

From pitpass


"I have never excluded continuing after 2006," said the six-time World Champion. "When we extended the contract to 2006, the president told me: 'Stay as long as you like, as long as you are motivated and quick'.

"There is no reason to close doors for the future," said the German. "If I feel then as I do now then it is an open future."

The Ferrari star also revealed his delight at teammate Rubens Barrichello's decision to extend his contract until the end of 2006.

"There is no better choice than Rubens to be with us," he said.

Of course MS gets to call the shots, it's Schumacher racing, not Ferrari.

I was shocked to see Rubens had extended his deal too, he must surely realise Ferrari won't let him win the championship as long as MS is there?
I guess he's gambling that MS won't be there at the end of this year :dunno: