By Parminio
July 10 2002

With Arrows barely making the last race, and Minardi looking for a way to make it the rest of the season, it looks like we may be two teams shorter come next year. It comes as no surprise that the rumours are already starting about who will be where, but at this rate there will be some quality drivers without a ride next year. The rumours start with Jenson Button. Rumoured to be going back to Williams if he wants, there's also talk of a ride at Jaguar. Either of those being the case, where will Juan Pablo and/or Eddie go? Most have Eddie out of F1 entirely. Over at BAR, will Jaques stay or not? It's hard to justify 20 million dollars to a driver that has for a car that took half the year (and then some) just to score a point. Will Jaques take a pay cut or get cut? With Arrows in trouble, how about Frentzen? A good candidate to take anyone's ride. What about Mika? Will he stay "sabitcalized" or come back to McLaren? If so...who goes? Kimi or David? Back over to Minardi where Mark Webber has tested for Jag. Is there something more than meets the eye there? How about Webber for some cash (Minardi is happy) and Jag loses Eddie for a much more affordable driver that does have talent. (No offense to Eddie of course!) Ferrari seem to be the only team that aren't really looking for a driver. There were rumours of a deal with Massa from Sauber, but with two good test drivers what is the point for Ferrari? Over at Jordan, who are on the brink of losing their Honda engines, what will they do? First order of business would be an engine of course, but does Sato stay if Honda leaves? Probably not and we all know it. Yet another possible seat for any number of drivers. It's going to be a wild west show in the off season this year.
These rumours are just the tip of the iceburg. It remains to be seen if the "Three Car" rule will take effect as well, so that could supply more drivers seats...but I don't think that will happen. Hopefully, someone will find a way to save Arrows, and Minardi will find a major sponsor. After all, Paul Stoddard has done a marvelous job beating a Jaguar team that has a far greater budget on a regualar basis. As for Alex Yoong, do we really think two DNF's justify his staying? The last rumour I've heard is of young Fernando Alonzo. One of the hot topics last year, he's been testing this year. If Button goes, does he get the seat at Renault? If Button stays, does Alonzo go? We'll have to wait and see.