Thursday September 2nd, 1999

According to the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo, Rubens Barrichello has signed a contract with Ferrari for two years - a deal which will be announced next week. The paper's reporter, Livio Oricchio, states that Barrichello will earn five million US Dollars a year and that he has a contractual obligation promising him equal status to Michael Schumacher, including equal machinery and testing time.

Furthermore, the Brazilian driver was quoted as saying that, "If I have to allow Schumacher to pass me, then Ferrari does not interest me. However, if - for the good of the team - we work to get a result with me as co-pilot, that's acceptable."

Barrichello has reached final agreement with Ferrari on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix last week, states the paper. He has reportedly already told Jackie Stewart of his decision a few weeks ago, saying he has decided to leave the team - where he has excellent relationship with all members and owners - because "The time has come for a change. It's as simple as that. We all know when the time is right."