One of the strangest rumours to emerge over the weekend, is that linking McLaren technical director with a return to his old team, WilliamsF1.

It began when Frank Williams, already embroiled in the 'Button saga', admitted that he might be interested should Newey become available.

McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh wasted no time in dismissing the rumour. "Adrian is a very focused individual and at the moment he is totally focused and working hard on next year's car," said Whitmarsh.

"I think that's what's important to him, making sure we are out there to win a championship next year," he added. "The relationship between Adrian and the team is probably stronger and better than it's ever been. He has certainly given me and Ron the impression that he's happy within the team.

"So, do I believe he is going to go to another Formula One team? No, I don't believe he would," he continued. "I don't believe there's any will, motivation or justification for him to do that."

What has many people confused is that although the MP4-19B is a definite improvement on its predecessors, the Woking outfit's two (three?) previous cars have not been as competitive as hoped - and that's putting it nicely. Therefore one has to wonder why WilliamsF1 would be considering rehiring Newey, assuming that he becomes available.

Newey, who joined McLaren in 1997, after a 'fall out' with Williams which resulted in a period of gardening leave, was on the verge of joining Jaguar a couple of years back, though McLaren rigorously held on to the technical director whose cars have won six constructors' championships since 1992.