MAY 20, 2001

Schumacher wants to retain Barrichello as number two

TRIPLE world champion Michael Schumacher has said that he wants Rubens Barrichello to continue as his Ferrari team-mate next season.

Barrichello's future with the Italian team has been placed in doubt with rising star Kimi Raikkonen strongly linked with a move to Ferrari in recent weeks.

Brazilian Barrichello was recently disappointed after being ordered to move over for Schumacher in the Austrian Grand Prix.

However, the German has made it clear he wants Barrichello to stay at Ferrari for another season.

"He (Barrichello) is a very good team-mate," Schumacher told 'the Daily Mail'. "He is very fast and I would want to have Rubens as my team-mate next year.

"If you look at everything and not only the last race, he is doing a good job for the team."