21/10/2004
NEWS STORY
The Contract Recognition Board's finding in favour of BAR, and WilliamsF1's decision not to challenge that decision, means that Jenson Button will remain at Brackley for 2005, while the Grove outfit has to find a driver to line up alongside Mark Webber.
Although there has been talk of a major reshuffle, with Frank Williams making no secret of his desire to see Giancarlo Fisichella in one of his cars, it's most likely that Antonio Pizzonia will be given the nod.
WilliamsF1 and the Brazilian enjoy a special relationship, and the twenty-four-year-old's four outings for the team during the summer, when he replaced Ralf Schumacher, were impressive.
During his time with Jaguar - when, ironically, he was paired with Webber - WilliamsF1 was fully supportive of Pizzonia, and once he was dumped by the Milton Keynes outfit, he was welcomed back to Grove with open arms. In another twist of fate, who would have supposed back then that the Brazilian's F1 career would outlast that of the team that dropped his so callously?
Other than Pizzonia there are several other 'possibles', including David Coulthard, Nick Heidfeld and even BAR tester Anthony Davidson. However, the smart money is on 'Jungle Boy' lining up alongside his former teammate.
Didn't Pitpass' very own Geoff Collins predict this at the start of the season?