By Phil Huff
February 19 2009

The subject of Bruno Senna has occupied many minds over recent weeks, with the young Brazilian being confirmed as a driver for the ex-Honda 2009 team, and then denied. Then he was confirmed again, but now hasn't signed anything. And so on. RealHondaF1.com's information suggests that, under certain circumstances, the driver will be based in Brackley for 2009 and beyond.

Despite protestations from the likes of Petrobras, Senna would arrive at the team with significant backing, but by no means the kind of cash that has been speculated elsewhere. Assuming the team has to survive only on Senna's input and the Formula One Management money, that leaves Honda with a very large financial hole to fill, something they are not keen to do.

If there is a management buy out of the team, then there's little doubt that the hole would need filling from somewhere, and it won't be through sponsorship. It's no coincidence that Honda, and BAR before them, failed to land any significant sponsors, despite finishing as runners up in 2004. Given the economic turmoil around the globe now, and the same management being in charge, there's little reason to believe that would change.

However, it does seem that Senna and his associated supporters have signed with Honda Racing F1. The information we're party to suggests that a deal has been agreed in principle, subject to some guarantees about the future viability of the team. All that remains is a buyer for the team, and that buyer to accept the deal provided - something that's almost a certainty at this stage.

The ex-Honda team, who we expect to be testing their Mercedes engined car in Barcelona on 9 March with Bruno Senna and Jenson Button in attendance, have the short-term support of Honda, so a one-year guarantee is almost certain, assuming the Honda Motor Co board agrees, but the future beyond that looks less clear.

There still remains, however, a lot of support for Rubens Barrichello in Brackley, with some of that coming from very senior levels. The fact is that Rubens, the most experienced Formula One racer of all time, and who claims to be fitter and driving better than ever, will be 37 this year and, no matter how well he's doing, time moves on. Given what Senna can bring in the way of sponsorship, marketing ability, age, and that name, it will be near impossible for the pro-Barrichello faction to win the battle.

That makes one thing clear. If the team makes it to Melbourne, we'll see Button and Senna in the cars.