15/08/2004
NEWS STORY
BAR team principal David Richards, is giving little away regarding reports that former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has spoken to him regarding the possibility of driving for the team.
"He called me and we had a chat about things as have a lot of people," Richards told reporters yesterday. "However, we will resolve the current situation first."
The simple truth is that Richards wants Jenson Button in his car, even if the Englishman doesn't want to be there. Furthermore, should Richards admit to having talks with any other driver it could undermine his case.
Richards has already been accused by Button of leaking information to the press - which surely brings to mind the words 'kettle', 'pot' and 'black', therefore the Prodrive and WRC man is going to be playing a very cautious game in the weeks to come.
No doubt a number of drivers have contacted the Brackley team since the story of Button's departure first broke, they'd be mad not to, the BAR seat is currently one of the best in F1.
No matter what the decision of the CRB, the fact is that Button does not want to be at BAR, and therefore Richards will be looking very carefully at what, or rather who, is on offer.
Sadly, certain elements of the media, as they did in the case of the "Villeneuve to test WilliamsF1" saga, will run 'stories' in the hope of generating more hits and selling more papers. Unfortunately the ones that suffer most in such a situation are the fans, who simply want to know the truth.
Therefore, fans can expect more 'stories' as to who is being linked with BAR, but will receive very little in the way of hard news.