01/07/2005
NEWS STORY
Despite reports to the contrary, Rubens Barrichello insists that he has every intention of staying with Ferrari in 2006.
In what has been a difficult (half) season for the Italian team, the Brazilian has been openly critical of the Maranello outfit, a situation exacerbated by the last lap incident at Monaco, when teammate Michael Schumacher forced his way through in the run up to the finish line.
Although all concerned have attempted to 'paint over' the obvious cracks, there has been widespread talk of the Brazilian moving on - possibly to BAR or Red Bull - to be replaced by Felipe Massa, even though he is still contracted to Ferrari for another season.
Speaking to Brazilian TV's SporTV, Rubens insisted that he has no plans to leave the team: "I'm staying with Ferrari at least until the end of next season," he said. "My contract doesn't even have a buyout clause. The only way for me and the team to part ways would be through a common agreement between both parties."
Talking of his relationship with Schumacher, the Brazilian said: "We have never been 'friends-friends'," he admitted. "We went out with our families several times, that sort of stuff, but on the track it's each one for himself and God for all."