There is a growing belief that Rubens Barrichello has signed a two-year deal with BAR for 2006 and 2007.

The story is rife in the Hungaroring paddock following reports in the Brazilian media that the Ferrari driver has signed with the Brackley team, despite having a year of his contract with the Maranello team still to run.

According to reports in Brazil, the deal has been put together by his lifelong friend, and fellow Brazilian, Gil de Ferran, who is Sporting Director at BAR.

It's claimed that the deal was done on Friday night, but neither BAR nor Barrichello is commenting on the story.

Although Barrichello has been linked with BAR for some time, this was mainly due to the fact that it appeared that the Brackley team was going to lose Jenson Button. However, with the 25-year-old now making it clear that he wants to remain with BAR, and English law in his favour, the situation becomes confused - is BAR lining up Barrichello to replace Sato or has it already accepted the fact that it will lose Button?

In what has been a disappointing year for the Maranello outfit, Barrichello has rarely shone, and is known to be increasingly frustrated at his (lesser) role within the team. A proven winner, it's widely believed that a move might kick-start the Brazilian's career.

As Ferrari looks ahead, not only to replace the Brazilian, but to the inevitable day when Michael Schumacher says' enough', it will be sizing up the quality of what's on offer, both Jean Todt and Ross Brawn making no secret of the fact that they are keen fans of Kimi Raikkonen.

In the short term however, Felipe Massa seems the most likely candidate. In addition to having spent a year as test driver with the Italian team, the Brazilian is managed by Todt's son, Nicolas.