Motorsport: Rubens forecasts world title with Ferrari

RUBENS BARRICHELLO is convinced he will be world champion within three years after tying his future to Ferrari until the end of 2006.

The 31-year-old Brazilian has agreed a two-year extension to his contract which will bring him in line with team-mate Michael Schumacher.

"I expect to win races and fulfil my dream, winning a world championship at least one," said Barrichello.

"By signing the contract I have at least another three chances of winning the championship."

Barrichello's deal ends speculation linking him with a move to Williams in 2005 as replacement for fellow South American Juan Pablo Montoya, who is switching to McLaren.

The driver admitted he had talks with rival outfits but insisted staying at Ferrari was the right decision.

Barrichello's contract extension is a blow to Giancarlo Fisichella's dream of driving for Ferrari.

Meanwhile Ralf Schumacher has hailed Williams-BMW's 2004 challenger after completing an initial test in the car. The German broke the lap record during the seven-day test in Jerez, although his time was bettered by McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen.