That's what British tabloid The Sun is claiming.

The newspaper claims that following the Brackley outfit's almost certain consolidation of runner-up spot in the constructors' championship, Jenson Button may remain with BAR for one more season.

That said, it is widely believed that when the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) meets on Saturday, BAR will be recognized as having the only true claim on his services for 2005. Although it had been thought that a 'behind the scenes' deal might be worked out, the paper claims that Button will remain with the Honda-powered team for one more year.

Ever since the news of Button's proposed move was first broken, there has been widespread confusion as to why he wants to make the switch. Although WilliamsF1 has the better record, with 9 constructors' and 7 drivers' titles, it is BAR that appears to be on the upswing at present.

This year has not been the best for the Grove team, with Ralf Schumacher out for a number of races following his accident at Indianapolis, and Juan Pablo Montoya appearing to lose motivation. Then there was the radical nose that simply didn't work out, plus the promotion of Sam Michael, which many feel was a BMW-inspired move, as the team attempts to present a younger image. Unfortunately, Michael's promotion came at a time of a number of serious incidents for the team, including three disqualifications in two races.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's CRB meeting, BAR boss David Richards admitted to being "confident".

"I know there are a few days before the CRB meet but I am very relaxed and confident," he said. "With Jenson coming third here (Japan) and Takuma Sato fourth we have extended our lead over Renault in the fight for second in the Constructors' Championship and it shows what a great team we are.

"You look at some of the other teams and how their relationships have broken down and the way we are performing," he continued. "We've grown stronger as the season has gone on and it's a credit to Jenson. And it's a great credit to the team in the way they have got on with their jobs in a professional way."

WilliamsF1 already has Mark Webber signed up for next season, but should Button remain at BAR it would spark a high-octane game of musical chairs, as drivers scramble for, what still remains, one of the best drives in F1. As the CRB convenes, no doubt many other drivers will be studying their contracts for 2005.