Rubens Barrichello says his new contract with Ferrari offers him three more chances to achieve his dream of winning the world title.

Ferrari announced on Wednesday that the 31-year-old Brazilian had signed a two-year extension to his deal, tying him to the world champion team until the end of 2006.

"I am just thinking about today and I expect to win races and I expect to fulfil my dream which is winning a world championship -- at least one. By signing the contract I have at least another three chances of winning the championship," Barrichello told a news conference at Ferrari's winter retreat in the Dolomites.

Barrichello joined Ferrari in 2000 from Stewart and, while overshadowed by team mate and six-times world champion Michael Schumacher, has played his part in helping the Italy-based team to win the constructors' title for the last three seasons.

The Brazilian has been unhappy in the past about his number two status at Ferrari but says he is now content with the team's set-up.

"I have my feet on the ground and I play by the rules and I am just happy with the situation right now," he said.

"I think I have grown quite a lot inside the team and I am a different person from the one that arrived at Ferrari some time ago.

"Winning is part of our job, you never know if the car is going to be good enough or not but I've signed because I think I can do the job and they believe in me just as much as I believe in them," he said.

Barrichello has 10 seasons of Formula One racing behind him after previous stints with Stewart and Jordan but is convinced his best is yet to come.

"I haven't arrived yet at the top of my performance," he said. "I was young when I started and in the beginning I drove with a lot of passion, determination and speed. But things became different with the death of Ayrton (Senna) and with the change of team.

"I think my life in F1 really began with Ferrari. I have to thank Stewart for giving me the opportunity to race in F1 but I have learnt a lot since and learnt how to use my head more than just my arms and feet.

"I've grown up. My head is working better now. I said some time ago 'enough tears and more work'. But I have the desire to win and I am grateful to have such a great job. I know that my dream can become a reality," he added.

"I am moving forward. I'll be 34 in 2006 but if I still have the determination and the calmness that I have found then for sure I will want to continue," Barrichello said.