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Ferrari Confirm Barrichello Exit

Ferrari have confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will leave the team at the end of the Formula One season.
Barrichello's place as number two driver to Michael Schumacher will be taken by fellow Brazilian Felipe Massa, the 24-year-old currently with Sauber.

Ferrari have taken up a renewable option on Massa, who tested for the team in 2003, that dates back to 2001.

Reports suggest Barrichello, who won nine grands prix in five years with Ferrari, has signed a deal with BAR.

The Brazilian was contracted to the Italian team, who he helped win five consecutive constructors' championships after joining them in 2000, until the end of the 2006 season.

But he is believed to be unhappy with his continued status as number two to Schumacher.

The 33-year-old may become a replacement or team-mate for Jenson Button at BAR.

Button is hoping to stay on at BAR after changing his mind about a return to Williams.

The Englishman is attempting to free himself from a contract with Williams for next season, and if he succeeds it is thought Barrichello would replace Takuma Sato and become Button's team-mate.

Barrichello, who famously slowed down during the Austrian Grand Prix in 2002 to allow Schumacher to pass and win, has voiced his anger at incidents with his team-mate at Monaco and Indianapolis this year.

"Michael and I have had two, three or four situations of this kind," said Barrichello.

"I have always had to think in two ways: to think of what I should do for him and what I should do for the team.

"In future I will consider him not as a team-mate but a driver like any other."

Massa has long been linked with a move to Ferrari, but many question whether he is worthy of the drive.

Massa is managed by Nicolas Todt, the son of Ferrari boss Jean Todt.

Massa denied after the Hungarian Grand Prix that a deal was already done, but admitted he would love the Ferrari drive.

"Every driver would like to drive for Ferrari and if I have this possibility it would be fantastic," he said.

 

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