http://espn.go.com/rpm/f1/2003/0609/1565518.html

Monday, June 9

Schumacher rules out early retirement
Reuters



Schumacher
MILAN, Italy -- Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher looked forward to more years of success with Ferrari's dream team on Monday after extending his contract to the end of 2006.

The 34-year-old German ruled out retirement and agreed to stay for two more years with Ferrari's 'family' who have helped him become the most successful driver in grand prix history.

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

"I love my sport and I feel extremely comfortable with Ferrari," Schumacher, who also won two titles with Benetton, told his Web site.

"Everything spoke in favor of extending my contract to 2006. The fact that Jean Todt and the rest of the team leaders have also decided to stay until 2006 made my own decision even easier.

"To be able to work in such a team, with such good friends, and hopefully with a lot more success to come, is a great pleasure.

"We have exciting years ahead of us and I'm looking forward to the challenges to come. Ferrari has become something of a second family to me and I am proud of being able to remain in such wonderful company."

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said the team was motivated and strong.

"We have them for another three and a half years and I am very happy to be able to count on them," he said.

Schumacher is the most successful driver in Ferrari's history and took his third successive world title last year with six races to spare. He has a record 67 career wins.

The German has won three times this year and can regain the championship lead in Canada this weekend. He is currently four points behind McLaren's Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen in the championship.

Frenchman Todt has been at the helm of FIAT-owned Ferrari throughout their recent successes which include the past four constructors' titles.

Ferrari's other driver, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, is contracted to the team until the end of the 2004 season. He was not mentioned in Monday's statement.

The announcement ended speculation about Schumacher's possible retirement.

The 34-year-old, who has two young children, has said that he wants to end his career with Ferrari and intends to continue for as long as he is having fun.

 

I was thinking maybe a one or two-year deal. Three surprised me a bit.

These guys tend to really go downhill when they're around 35. That's about the age when guys like Prost, etc quit.

Although if anyone can win until they're 37, it's Michael.

 

$35-40 million

 

He is still hooked on the GFCP

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">$35-40 million</TD></TR></TABLE>

From what I've heard he's the highest paid athelete in the world. But $40 is far, far below the $80 million annual take down I've heard he makes. So what's another $160,000,000 for another 2 years worth of driving and the chance to establish a racing record that may never be top ever again.

 

I was talking about just his salary, not total income

 

Just to stir the pot (rumormill): Heard that Panis may get the can in favor of JV at Toyota. Rubens wasn't mentioned in the press, so , I say, he's got a year left at Ferrari after that he's gone, IMO; I can see Massa, maybe, getting promoted to a race seat, or Alsono or Kimi coming into the Ferrari fold. Anyone else for some midseason hype/speculation?

 

I seriously doubt McLaren-Mercedes is willing to let Kimi R. go w/o a massive fight. I actually see Kimi R. becoming the number one driver on the McLaren-Mercedes team next year.

Maybe Jenson Button will take a stab at the Ferrari second seat - he's already driven for every other team ...but I do like having him driving for BAR Honda.

Just speculation - it's a fun game.

 

What about Barrichallo? (sp?!) What's his contract status?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by YodaIsGod &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What about Barrichallo? (sp?!) What's his contract status?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think he has one more year on his contract and Ferrari shoud be looking for another second driver.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was talking about just his salary, not total income</TD></TR></TABLE>

So was I

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITRbroham &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I think he has one more year on his contract and Ferrari shoud be looking for another second driver.</TD></TR></TABLE>

there is no reason ferrari should get rid of rubens barrichello. he is better than many teams number one driver.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chevyalltheway &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

there is no reason ferrari should get rid of rubens barrichello. he is better than many teams number one driver.</TD></TR></TABLE>

True, but if they have a chance to grab an up-and-coming star like they did with Michael in 1995-6, they will do it. Think Montoya or Raikkonen, as they will settle for nothing but the best.

Look at the way Rubens has accepted his role as #2. Do you think Ferrari cares about his feelings?

 

Well since we're speculating about driver's futures, what do you all think about Sato saying he will drive a BAR next year? Both current BAR drivers think they are driving next year, so someone is getting the shaft!