Schumacher Extends Contract with Ferrari Through 2006

Topics:  Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari

VOA Sports
Voice of America
June 9, 2003

Five-time Formula One world driving champion Michael Schumacher has extended his contract with Ferrari through 2006.

The German driver, 34, ended speculation he might retire at the end of the 2004 season, by signing on for another two years.

Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt, technical director Ross Brawn, engine director Paolo Martinellil and chief designer Rory Byrne also had their contracts extended through the end of the 2006 season.

Schumacher has won a record 67 Grand Prix races.  He has won three of the past four races this season, and is four points behind McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen of Finland in the 2003 championship race.

Ferrari's second driver, Rubens Barrichello of Brazil, is signed through 2004.