By Jamie Makin
October 3 2004

Despite this being one of the most eventful silly seasons in recent memory, we may be in for round two as the driver market refuses to settle down. It all seems to hinge on the results of the CRB hearing over whether Jenson Button can go to Williams or have to remain at BAR. The current wave of speculation says the CRB will rule in BAR's favor and that could leave Williams seeking another driver. That driver could turn out to be Giancarlo Fisichella, even though he is signed to drive for Renault next year. Renault could let him go to Williams on the condition that they get to keep Jacques Villeneuve who was drafted into the team for the final three races of this season. Sauber would lose out on the services of the 1997 World Champion and have to continue searching for Fisichella's replacement.

But is this scenario likely? "In Formula One you can expect everything," Peter Sauber told Motorsport Aktuell, "but if it happened then the moral integrity of Villeneuve would be put to the test." The French-Canadian indicated when he signed for Sauber that he wanted to be with a "non-political" team and the respect Sauber showed him made him want to drive there. It is not clear why he would want to change his mind now.

Although dismissing this talk as mere rumour, Peter Sauber did seem leave the door open to the possibility. "I do not have a problem at the moment and if it did happen then I can say one single thing: it will cost a lot." Renault team boss Flavio Briatore was not willing to cough up Sauber's asking price for an early release on Giancarlo Fisichella and may not be any more willing to buy Villeneuve out of his two-year contract with the Swiss team either.

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