By Phil Huff (21/10/2004)
October 21 2004

How's that for timing? I sit down to write the BAR-Talk.com newsletter and then the Contracts Recognition Board release their findings. Time to scrap what I've written and start again. So let's start with Jenson Button. As you're now aware, he's lost his case with the CRB and will be forced to drive for BAR in 2005. Williams have accepted the findings and, seemingly, won't be launching a boat load of cash towards Brackley in order to prise the Brit away.

BAR are, obviously, very happy at the news, not least because there weren't any significantly experienced drivers available to fill the empty seat. Apart from David Coulthard, that is, but he'd been rejected many months ago.

The situation now leaves BAR with a full complement of drivers, one of which is improving rapidly and highly motivated, believing that he can beat Jenson Button in 2005. As for Jenson, he's remained resolutely professional since his announcement in early August, and there's no reason to believe that he won't remain professional throughout 2005.

Not subscribed to the BAR-Talk.com Newsletter? Click here to register now. Once registered, you can also use your details on the BAR-Talk.com Message Board and throughout the rest of SportNetwork.

But what about 2006? Frank Williams has commented that he's looking forward to teaming up then, but haven't BAR got a two year option on Jenson? Surely there's been some deal done in the background.

One deal that will surely be done is separating Jenson Button from manager John Byfield. Jenson is upset about the way he's been perceived since August, while both BAR and Williams are none too happy about they way they've been misled. We hear lawsuits are being prepared...

That would be bad timing for Byfield, as it looks like BAR could be on the verge of that elusive first win. One hundred races in and there's still one result missing from the Brackley score sheet, but the Brazilian Grand Prix could provide the result required. The team are going all out for the win, taking a gamble with reliability and, indeed, second place in the championship. The car suits Interlagos (in theory) and both Jenson and Takuma are on top form. How about a BAR 1-2 to end the season?

Yes, we're perilously close to the end of Formula One Grands Prix for 2004, and the 2005 calendar could look quite different. Silverstone could be gone, Turkey could be in, and there's now talk of a Mexican Grand Prix in Cancun.

With Bernie giving Silverstone a kicking at every opportunity, it's ironic that we're now heading off to Sao Paulo. Back in 2001, Minardi had seven wheels stolen, while Williams lot a number of laptop computers. Rubens Barrichello's uncle was kidnapped one year, so Rubens now has a bullet-proof limousine with armed guards riding alongside, while Minardi team manager Tony Lees was held up at gun point on his way to the circuit. Falling advertising hoardings nearly hit Jean Alesi at the fastest part of the circuit, and Ron Dennis was nearly hit by a TV camera falling off the pit lane buildings.

And Bernie says Silverstone is a poor circuit?

While we've got money on a BAR win this weekend, who'd put money on Bernie seeing sense any time soon?

Until next time,

Phil Huff
BAR-Talk.com