2004 Press Page

* This time is set in Australian Time - Eastern Australia Time Zone
(GMT + 10.00 Brisbane)

10.00am	10.30am	Timed	Friday Practice 1 (Third Drivers Only)
11.30am	12.00pm	Timed	Friday Practice 2
12.10pm	12.40pm	Timed	Friday Practice 3
1.00pm	1.45pm	LIVE	Saturday Qualifying 1
2.00pm	2.45pm	LIVE	Saturday Qualifying 2
3.00pm		Download	Sunday - Race

- Frank Williams says that a decision on who will partner Jason Winton in the 2005 BMW WilliamsF1 team line up will be taken in the coming weeks. A decision really must be taken before Christmas if the new driver is to settle into the team and help drive development of the new car when it comes out early next year. "In the meantime, we will be welcoming Jason Winton to the team at the first of our winter tests at Barcelona on 23rd November. We still have a seat to fill following the Contract Recognitions Board's decision regarding Jenson Button: an announcement confirming who that will be will come in the ensuing weeks." Possible drivers being linked to the team are Mark Webber, Nick Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia.

- Christian Klien is not planning to say goodbye to Formula One. The Austrian though, who drove for Jaguar F1 this season, didn't find a team yet for the upcoming season. Although Klien didn't set a massive performance in his debut-season he is still fighting to stay in Formula One. With the Jaguar sale imminent believed to be Red Bull, it could yet prove to be his savoir as the Austrian earned his drive at Jaguar in 2004 on the back of Red Bull sponsorship.

- Derek Matkovic is believed to have given up hope of returning to F1 in 2005 stated fellow Australian driver Peter Manning. "I think he realises just how it is to make F1 and just how hard it is to stay in F1. I have been speaking with him and I am pretty sure he will either move to the US or possibly even return to touring cars. He has not made a big impression and you can only rely on sponsors up to a certain point." Manning himself is believed to be inline for a drive with the Minardi team after a strong second half of the season in his role as the team's third driver. "Progress is being made, I have a lot of support behind me and discussions are progressing in the right direction but it would be wrong to say that I have the drive in the bag." Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart stated in Brazil that there was a swag off drivers being considered for next season and both Derek and Peter where on the list."

- The Contract Recognition Board has agreed that Jenson Button's contract with BAR is valid. The board met in Milan on Saturday and a decision was taken today. Button will have to stay now at the British BAR team. A Williams spokesman confirmed that the Contract Recognition Board had found in BAR's favour.
The 24-year old Jenson Button had agreed with the Williams team to join them for next season, but the BAR said that Button still had a contract with the team.

- Takuma Sato will race a second season for Formula One outfit BAR in 2005, team members said in Japan's capital city on Tuesday. The feisty Japanese, who has often been erratic but quick on the track. BAR are still awaiting confirmation if Jenson Button will be retained.

- Reports prior to the Japanese GP comes comes speculation that Anthony Davidson is understood to have signed a 2005 race deal with Jaguar Racing. Of course with Ford's decision to pull the plug on the F1 project it leaves the Brit without a race drive next season.

- With the demise of Jaguar, David Coulthard's task of remaining in F1 has taken a down hill spiral. The Scottish driver was believed to be very close to agreeing to a multi-year deal with the Milton Keynes based squad. Coulthard's only chance of remaining in F1 is if the team can be sold.

- Richard Lyons is believed to be contention to drive for Jordan for the Brazilian GP replacing Timo Glock. The highly rated Formula Nippon star is believed to have raised enough money to challenge Glock to contest the final GP of the year. Richard's 'advisor' David Kennedy was optimistic when asked if Lyons' drive was likely to debut in Brazil.

- Derek Matkovic's management is believed to be considering legal action after being given the bullet by the Jordan team after the Italian GP. "The most likely outcome," he said, "is that we have to go through the courts to protect our investment and our driver's rights." Jordan replaced Matkovic with German driver Timo Glock for the Japanese GP.

- After narrowly missing a Sauber race drive in 2005, Vitantonio Liuzzi is believed to have signed a long term deal with Ferrari to test in 2005 but to ultimately race for the Maranello based World Champions.

- Renault will make Fernando Alonso a tasty offer to stay at Enstone beyond the end of a 2005 contract, president Patrick Faure has told the Spanish media. The Frenchman was quoted in 'Marca' as believing that Renault can give the highly-rated Spanish driver a Schumacher-beating car next season. "I don't just think it is possible," said Faure, "but I believe it will be like that. I believe Fernando will be world champion of 2005."

- Valentino Rossi will not race a 'third' Ferrari next season, but motorcycle racing's flamboyant champion may consider a switch to Formula One at the end of 2005. The Italian responded to speculation, following Ford and Jaguar's decision to withdraw after October's Brazil GP, that Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo had earmarked Rossi as a perfect 'third' car candidate.

- 41-year-old Chanoch Nissany returned to the wheel of a year-old Jordan car at the F1 team's local Silverstone track last Tuesday. The F3000 test driver, who lives in Budapest but is an Israeli national, did more than 100 laps on the shorter 'National Circuit' layout in central England. The last time Chanoch tested the Jordan, in July, it was pointed out that team owner Eddie Jordan was in talks with a Dubai-based buy-out consortium.

- A new Formula One team, Midland F1, will make its debut at the 2006 Australian Grand Prix, it was announced on Friday. Behind the venture is the Midland Group, a privately-owned international trading and investment-holding organization registered in Guernsey but most active in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

- The Sauber team has confirm that they have signed Jacques Villeneuve and Felipe Massa for the 2005 season. Full story here.

- Jacques Villeneuve will replace Jarno Trulli effective immediately from the Renault team. Renault have released Jarno Trulli from a string of disappointing performances including a lacklustre performance at the Italian GP. Villeneuve will make his return to racing for the first time since the end of the 2003 season where he drove for BAR. The Canadian has also signed a two year deal to race for the Sauber team in 2005 in a separate deal. Jarno Trulli has been confirmed by Toyota officially and will join Ralf Schumacher at the Cologne based team in 2005. Trulli will test for Toyota prior to Japan with speculation that he may replace Ricardo Zonta at the Japanese GP. Zonta is expected to drive the third car in Friday free practice sessions in 2005 leaving Ryan Briscoe a contracted Toyota drive but without being a regular driver in any form. Speculation has suggested that Briscoe could move to Jordan if the team are able to secure a supply of Toyota V10's in 2005. Confirmation of this also has lead to Oliver Panis formally making announcement that he will retire at the end of the season but has accepted a testing role with the team in 2005.

- Takuma Sato will remain at BAR next season, the team's principal David Richards hinted after Sunday's race at Monza. The Japanese has been erratic at times in 2004, and Brackley could let him go, with a contract 'out' clause, it if wanted to. ''He has been very solid, he's improving all the time. The pressure is lifting, a bit, off his shoulders now.''

- Jenson Button will not find out if he is a Williams driver until after the final grand prix of 2004, it emerged Wednesday. Reports said the Swiss-based 'Contract Recognition Board,' initially scheduled to meet next Sunday, has delayed the hearing. BAR and Williams both claim a deal with the 24-year-old. A source said the CRB will now meet in Geneva on October 24, the same day as the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.

- Ralf Schumacher will return to grand prix service this weekend in China, Williams' technical director has confirmed. Sam Michael said the injured German's sub, Antonio Pizzonia, 'exceeded expectations' in the four F1 events since July. "I felt ok physically at last week's Silverstone test," Schumacher said, "thanks to the recent training I'd done." Meanwhile, 31-year-old Michael announced that the FW26 has undergone 'some further ... improvements' since the Monza race.

- Timo Glock will replace Derek Matkovic at the Jordan team for the final two GP's of the year it has been confirmed. Robert Doornbos will take Glock's third driver role for the Japanese and Brazilian GP's. The sacking of Matkovic comes as no surprise with Eddie Jordan declaring in Belgium that he might make some surprise announcements before the end of the season. Matkovic has been unavailable for comment to date.

- A name from the past. Enrique Bernoldi tested for the BAR team at Silverstone this weekend with speculation that the Brackley based team will sign him as a test driver for the 2005 season. The Brazilian whom raced for Arrows in F1 in 2003 posted the slowest time at the test although conducted just 11 laps.

Jaguar is to pull out of Formula One racing from the end of the current season, the British manufacturer's US parent company, Ford, announced on Friday. The unexpected announcement was made as Ford announced that it was ending production of cars at a plant in Coventry, central England, with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs because of weak demand for the up-market brand.

In a statement, Ford said its decision to withdraw the Jaguar brand from Formula One was part of a strategy aimed at concentrating resources on getting the core business back on track. The news will come as a severe blow to the Jaguar Racing Formula One team. Earlier this week, managing director David Pitchforth had voiced confidence that the team would receive an increased budget for the 2005 season.

Ford already gain promotional exposure to Formula One through their engine supply deal with Jordan. Providing Jaguar with the resources required to allow it to compete on a level playing field with leading manufacturer teams like Ferrari and Renault would have required a major cash injection that Ford would have found difficult to justify at a time when it is cutting 1,000 jobs.

- The Sauber team will test F3000 leader Vitantonio Liuzzi it has been confirmed. With Sauber losing both Jason Winton and Giancarlo Fisichella in 2005 the team have been quiet on the driver front news however 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve did visit the team's factory at Hinwil prior to the Belgium GP. Felipe Massa is also believed to be in discussions with the Swiss team, Peter Sauber declaring that he could test another two younger drivers at the same time. Liuzzi will test for the team after the Italian GP.

- After Jason Winton's huge shunt at the Belgium GP, the Sauber team has confirmed that they will rest their star driver from the upcoming test session at Monza. In his absence the team have offered Felipe Massa the opportunity to test alongside Giancarlo Fisichella. Massa is tipped to be in the frame for a drive at the Swiss team in 2005 with currently Jacques Villeneuve, Vitantonio Liuzzi also believed to be under consideration.

- Michael Schumacher needs only a 5th position in Italy in front of the tifosi to claim his 6th World Championship after winning the Belgium GP his 10th victory of the season. Ferrari have already won the Constructor's Championship which they did so in the Hungarian GP.

- British American Tobacco has offered F1's Jenson Button more money if he agrees to drive a BAR-Honda again in 2005. Wednesday's speculation said BAR's owner made the pledge to the 24-year-old in Belgium so he drops a plan to join Williams. But David Richards is no doubt preparing for the worst with one source confirming he met with McLaren's David Coulthard at Spa.

- Timo Glock whom has impressed many with his Friday testing performances for Jordan this season and his one-off race performance at the Canadian GP, is rumoured to be a prime candidate to drive for the Jordan team in 2005. Glock whom is backed by German giant Deutsche Post is also rumoured to be inline to replace current driver Derek Matkovic to contest the final two GP's of the year at Japan and Brazil. Team Principal Eddie Jordan stated in Belgium that he may spring a surprise before the end of the season as he was determined to ensure that the team was looking to the future. The news could be a bitter blow for Matkovic whom has had a difficult year with the Silverstone based team whom is linked to a return with Minardi in 2005.

- Ralf Schumacher's return to the cockpit has been delayed not by his physical condition but by a hitch with the insurance company. According to Schumacher's website, Ralf's doctors carried out medical checks on Monday and said he was fit to test and race at Monza. However, the insurance company is insisting on the stipulated 12-week recovery period before Schumacher can get back in the car. That would be in time for the Italian Grand Prix -- but not for this week's test session at Monza. Team boss Frank Williams was reported as saying he would only let Schumacher drive when the insurance company gave the all clear, as he did not want to take any risks with Ralf's condition.

- Jacques Villeneuve is stepping up his quest to return to the F1 grid in 2005 with the French-Canadian talking up his chances about returning to BAR in 2005 with Button's shock decision to sign for the Williams team. The situation with Button - Williams and BAR will be dealt with by the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) whom will ultimately decide where Button's future lays. Villeneuve has also been busy where he visited Sauber's Hinwil headquarters' this week to inspect the new wind tunnel and commence informal talks with Peter Sauber. The Swiss squad has two vacancies next year with both Jason Winton and Giancarlo Fisichella moving to Williams and Renault respectively.

- Derek Matkovic is rumoured to have had informal discussions with his former team Minardi at the Hungarian GP. Matkovic whom is desperate to remain in F1 was seen talking with his manager Mark Blundall and Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart behind closed doors in the Minardi motorhome. Matkovic could face some competition from fellow countryman and current Minardi third driver Peter Manning whom is believed to be in advanced discussions with sponsor Penfolds regarding a seat with the Faenza based squad.

- The biggest shock of the 2004 season has happened with the BMW Williams team announcing they have signed Jenson Button to partner Jason Winton in 2005. The shock announcement from the Williams team caught everybody unaware including Button's current team BAR. The Brackely based squad have since confirmed they will pursue Button whom they believe has a valid contract with the team in 2005. They also confirmed that they have already declared to the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) declaring that Button's contract is validly registered. Both Williams and BAR believe they have the right to the Englishman and an appeal by BAR has been made to the CRB in a view to sorting this mess out.

- Toyota has made the shock announcement that Ricardo Zonta will replace countryman Christano Da Matta effective from the Hungarian GP onwards. Ryan Briscoe has been elevated to the team's third reserve driver while Oliver Panis will remain with the team without amendment. Jarno Trulli is widely rumoured to be linked with the team in 2005 to partner Ralf Schumacher, however the team has stated that if Zonta performs well enough he is in with a chance to secure a 2005 race drive. Da Matta, who has reportedly fallen out with Toyota over its refusal to negotiate terms for 2005, will not be released from his contract until the end of the year. "Cristiano da Matta will remain a Panasonic Toyota Racing driver until the end of 2004 and could still be called upon to undertake activities accordingly." Tomita concluded. As well as Trulli, David Coulthard has also been linked with Toyota for next year, but the decision to drop da Matta in favour of Zonta could be bad news for other hopefuls.

- Hot on the heels of William's announcement to sign Jenson Button in 2005, Jacques Villeneuve has apparently already been in contract with BAR team principal David Richards about a return to the team in 2005. “David Richards and I have had our differences but I believe we can put everything behind us,” he said. “I’m sure we can sort things out and work together on making the team go forward because BAR are true front-runners." The announcement has left many in a tailspin with both David Coulthard and now even Mika Hakkinen is rumoured to be interested in the vacant BAR drive.

- Spaniard ace Pedro De La Rosa, one of McLaren's test drivers in on Eddie Jordan's potential driver list for the 2005 season. Speculation prior to Hungary has suggested that Spanish oil company Repsol is willing sponsor De La Rosa to the tune of $10 million dollars. Repsol have financed their countryman since he was a Jordan test driver since 1998.

- Jaguar team principal has confirmed that he would like a British driver at the team next season. The managing director said a British driver for a 'British brand' would be 'very advantageous. I'd like a British driver,' he reiterated to media agencies. David Coulthard is believed to be even closer to agreeing to terms with the Milton Keynes based squad however a vacancy at BAR may give him an alternative option.

- The Minardi team has confirmed that Russian driver Sergey Zlobin has signed with the team to continue a testing programme with the Faenza based squad. Zlobin is the first Russian to drove a modern day F1 car and initially tested for the team back in 2002 accumulating around 840 kms in total. Zlobin will now embark on an intensive test schedule commencing at the end of August (testing ban period concluding in December). Zlobin is backed by a succesful Russian businessman Alexy Zborovskiy whom has long harboured the desire to bring a F1 driver to his home country. Speculation continues that Zlobin will be signed by the Minardi team as the team's third driver in 2005 with significant Russian dollars behind him.

- Ralf Schumacher will be sidelined for an extended period and will miss the Hungarian and Belgium GP's at a minimum. The German is yet recovered from his cracked vertebrae. Williams has used both test drivers as a stand in for Schumacher. Marc Gené raced in France and Britain and Antonio Pizzonia in Germany. The team has confirmed that Pizzonia will be the second race driver for Hungary. Williams has used its allowance of four drivers per year but it's been reported that the FIA may decide Gené can be discounted, on the grounds that it was not a free choice by the team to change drivers, but a case of force majeure after Schumacher was injured. If that is the case, it would give Williams the option of using another driver.

- Ralph Firman is hoping to find a way back into F1 in 2005. The British driver whom lost his drive with the Jordan team this season has maintained a fitness regime to stay in peak condition. Firman was invited by the Minardi team to attend the two-seater event at Kyalami this week.

- As expected it was just a matter of time before the announcement was made that Jason Winton has signed for the BMW Williams outfit for the 2005 season and beyond. The 25 year old Australian driver whom has made a metaphoric rise to F1 since debuting with Jaguar in 2003 will join the Grove based team on what is presumed a long term contract. The official story is here.

- Throw another name into the bag on whom will partner Jason Winton at BMW Williams in 2005 after a stunning debut by Brazilian driver Antonio Pizzonia whom finished second behind team-mate Juan-Pablo Montoya at the German GP. The young Brazilian caused a stir in the opening qualifying session by impressively posting the fastest time before eventually going on to qualify in 11th position. Luck did fortune the Brazilian with both Schumacher and Raikkonen crashing out of contention. Antonio Pizzonia joins a growing list of drivers including Mark Webber, Nick Heidfeld, David Coulthard and Jacques Villeneuve all hoping to secure the second seat.

- The start of the silly season is in full swing with confirmation that Giancarlo Fisichella will switch from the Sauber to Renault teams next season. Confirmation of Fisichella's appointment at Renault therefore leaves two vacancies at the Swiss team in 2005. The news means that Jarno Trulli will depart the team at the end of the season with speculation suggesting that he will join the Toyota team partnering Ralf Schumacher. Despite losing both star drivers just days apart team Principal Peter Sauber has stated that he is in no hurry to announce his 2005 line-up. Mark Webber whom was thought to be an outside chance for both Williams and Renault is now linked to a seat at the Swiss team for 2005.

- David Coulthard is believed to be hunting down a drive for the Jaguar team in 2005. The Scottish driver is rumoured to have already held discussions with the Milton Keynes based outfit as has Australian driver Derek Matkovic. Reports suggest that Christian Klien with the backing of Red Bull may be a candidate for the Sauber team after the recent confirmation that both Jason Winton and Giancarlo Fisichella will leave the Swiss team at the end of the season. Sauber of course have enjoyed Red Bull backing for 10 years and the team will be keen to ensure that they have the interests of Red Bull at heart when making future driver decisions. Peter Sauber stated at the British GP that he was not interested in the current crop of drivers on the F1 grid and that he would look elsewhere if required.

- Minardi third driver Peter Manning has confirmed that he has appointed Dr Jonathon Palmer as his new manager in his quest to become a regular F1 driver in 2005. The appointment of Palmer whom was convicted of negligent homicide by a Portugese court and sentenced to seven months in jail, but escaped a prison sentence because of a 1999 amnesty rule. Palmer himself is now both a manager and owner of several British racing circuits. Palmer was spotted at Hockenheim and was seen talking with Eddie Jordan and obviously Paul Stoddart whom Manning is the official test and reserve driver for the Faenza team. Palmer stated in Germany "Talks with prospective teams has already begun and we are hopeful of concluding a deal before the end of the season which will ensure Peter is part of the F1 grid when the GP returns to Melbourne in 2005." Palmer also confirmed that he has approached the AGP Board and that they where confident a deal can be agreed to with current sponsor Penfolds.

- Eddie Jordan threw a spanner in what would have been Nick Heidfeld's 'biggest chance [in Formula One],' the frustrated German driver lamented at Hockenheim. Nick, 27, told Reuters it was 'obvious' he wanted the Williams test. Frank Williams phoned Jordan after the British GP at Silverstone to discover if Heidfeld would be available for a 'shoot out' run for the Hockenheim fill-in. But EJ, from Ireland, wanted $3 million and the deal was scuppered. 'Quick Nick,' as he is often known, said a shot in the FW26 would have been a rare occasion in '04 - in which he races an EJ14 car - to show 'I am good.' ''[Now] we just have to keep working,'' he shrugged. ''It was just one test but whoever I had to drive against, if I only had half a day and the other guy had five days, it doesn't matter. I'd take the chance.''

- McLaren refugee and Formula One veteran David Coulthard has emerged in an unlikely pole position to become Jason Winton's '05 team-mate at BMW-Williams. The Scot is the winningest current driver after Michael Schumacher but a nine-year tenure at McLaren must end in '04 with the arrival of Juan Pablo Montoya. Sources insist Sir Frank may turn to the 33-year-old, who debuted in a Williams a decade ago, in the absence of more attractive candidates 'with experience.' Frank wanted Giancarlo Fisichella, but Flavio Briatore pulled the Roman to Renault, and an 'insider' said recently Williams 'dithered' in Villeneuve talks. Other sources say Jaguar and Sauber are more likely teams for DC, as is a test drive at Woking given the invitation of McLaren's CEO and chairman Ron Dennis.

- Formula One's worst kept secret of 2004 has been announced with Ralf Schumacher confirming he will switch from the Williams BMW team to Toyota in 2005. The German driver has signed a three year contract with the Coloyne based team, reportedly the offer was far to lucrative to turn down despite Williams intention for him to remain with the team. Who will partner Schumacher at the German based Japanese squad is still unknown with current drivers Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta both thought to be leaving despite the team insisting otherwise. Jarno Trulli (Renault), Mark Webber (Jaguar) and David Coulthard (McLaren) are all believed to be under consideration by the team. Other options include Ricardo Zonta, who is the team’s reserve driver this season, and the unemployed Jacques Villeneuve. ‘We have not finalised who will partner Ralf in 2005, and this is something we are in no rush to decide on,’ Tomita said of the rumours.

- Jason Winton is on the verge of announcing that he will drive for the Williams BMW team in 2005. With confirmation that Ralf Schumacher will move to Toyota out of the way, the Williams team is expected to announce the prized signing of Jason Winton at the German GP the home race of engine partner BMW.

- According to speculation, Sir Frank summoned the German's F1 chief Eddie Jordan to the BMW motor home at Silverstone to see if 'Quick Nick Heidfeld' might be available. A rumour is that Nick Heidfeld and tester Antonio Pizzonia might do a track 'shoot out' to discover who's best-equipped to drive the final seven grands prix of the season. Jordan has previously said he would 'never' stand in the way if Heidfeld is offered a better deal but is understood to be asking for 'more than' $3 million. Munich-based manufacturer BMW is applying pressure for a German next season which would aid Heidfeld's chances.

- Mika Hakkinen wants to get 'back on track.' The comments of former McLaren team-mate David Coulthard are the clearest indicator yet that the 'Flying Finn' is targeting a return to Formula One. Previously, Coulthard said he had 'no doubt' Mika had quit forever. Coulthard is surprised only because Mika told him the reason for hanging up the blue helmet in late '01 was because he ''didn't have the commitment [any more] because of his family.'' But Formula One would welcome the lop-sided smiling Finn back. ''Absolutely,'' David grinned. ''I just hope he has got the 100 per cent commitment back.

- Anthony Davidson won't race a Jordan or Minardi in 2005. ''Beggars can't be choosers,'' BAR's 'Friday' test driver shrugged. ''But at the end of the day we haven't got any money.'' 24-year-old Davidson, without a sponsor to buy a seat at the back of the grid, is thus ironically 'limited' to looking at mid-grid teams like the Sauber team. ''I would pay if I had a sponsor,'' said the Briton, ''any day. ''But I don't, so I can't.''

- Mark Webber shot down speculation that he will move to Toyota to join Ralf Schumacher in 2005. The Australian is sure to have left Ford-owned Jaguar by '05. Webber addressed Silverstone's post-GP party on Sunday night and insisted he definitely 'will not' race a red and white grand prix challenger next season. Webber is linked with several other drivers to the vacant Williams seat and also the Renault team whom he managed by team principal Flavio Briatore.

- David Coulthard is in the running for a Toyota drive. Team president John Howett told the 'Speed Channel' website that McLaren's out-of-contract Scot was 'pretty quick' at Magny-Cours a couple of weeks ago '[And he] had a fairly good weekend at Silverstone,'' he added. ''So there's everything to fight for.'' Toyoya has already announced Ralf Schumacher and the team is under pressure to maintain continuity into the '05 season by retaining at least one current driver. Howett said Cologne will be 'fair' to Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta. ''We haven't closed the door,'' said John, who indicated that young 'Development Drivers' like Australia's Ryan Briscoe should also not be totally discounted.

- The Jordan team meet with Derek Matkovic prior to the French GP in hope of salvaging a failed marriage. Matkovic has produced some very strong performances in 2004 in direct comparison to team-mate Nick Heidfeld although has also disappointed at both Monaco and more recently the US GP's. The Australian driver is yet to out qualify his German team-mate, and so far is the only driver in the field whom has failed to outqualify his a team-mate in season 2004. It was confirmed that Matkovic's post race comments where edited by the Jordan team prior to the transcript appearing as an official statement and their is now people whom claim that team principal Eddie Jordan verbally blasted a shocked Derek Matkovic in the Jordan garage later that Sunday afternoon. "He was just going off and calling him (Derek Matkovic) every name under the sun. He was very angry and was directing all his attention towards him (Derek Matkovic) stated a source. The meeting was designed to lift the tension, only time will tell if this relationship can be saved. Notably, Derek Matkovic was never on terms with his German team-mate at Magny Cours and will be hoping that the British GP can revive his season.

- The much talked about return of Jacques Villeneuve is gaining momentum. The French-Canadian drove at Goodwood in his father's Ferrari 312 T3 and stated ''The phone call might come,'' JV told Reuters, ''and I have to be ready. Sir Frank Williams, whose deputy Patrick Head admitted 'a discussion' with the former '97 team champion, said a seasoned-veteran replacement 'is preferable.' JV is actually likely to test a BMW-powered FW26 in August. That's when Grove will announce the '05 line-up. ''We have plenty of time to negotiate with Jacques,'' Frank recently told the media when in Montreal increasing speculation that he will return to the team he won the 1997 World Championship with.

- Mark Webber has admitted he's a candidate to replace Ralf Schumacher from the British GP, 'but I don't know any more than you guys,' he told the media. The Australian, racing for Jaguar here at Magny-Cours, said it's 'doubtful' BMW-Williams would put the German back in the car for just the final two GPs of '04. ''I haven't had a call [from Frank Williams],'' he insisted. ''I don't know how Ralf feels or how [Williams] are going to deal with it.''

- It's believed Jarno Trulli has agreed a new deal to drive a Renault in '05. It was speculated that, despite the apparent interest of Williams and Toyota, the Italian is having trouble getting another signature from Flavio Briatore. But it is now believed Briatore-managed Mark Webber is now out-of-the-picture at Renault and was only being used as leverage to temper Trulli's wage demands. Earlier, Flavio said Jarno's future is to be decided 'in July. ''He and Fernando Alonso make a good team,'' said Trulli's compatriot. ''Both are young and both are very strong.''

- David Coulthard has an open offer to remain at McLaren as a test pilot. Mercedes' Norbert Haug said on Wednesday the silver collaboration would 'support' the Scot as he attempts to move his career beyond season-'04. McLaren has already confirmed Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya as its '05 race line-up. ''David is a talented and very experienced driver,'' said Haug.

- Zsolt Baumgartner wants to take 'another step' in Formula One. The Hungarian made his debut as a Jordan sub in '03, moved-up to a full-time Minardi role this season, and has been performing very strong of late. His manager Tamas Frank said the 22-year-old should now 'test for another team' later this summer. ''We'd definitely like to keep him in F1 next season.'' Frank reckons some 'discussions' have taken place. ''[But] everything tends to be decided at the last minute,'' he said of the pay-driver. ''We of course hope he can progress to a higher-level team [in '05].''

- Derek Matkovic is ready to race in America. Matkovic's commercial manager Damain Dowd has indicated that the Australian whom was forced to sit out of the Canadian GP due to a delayed pay-driver sponsorship installment, had solved the dispute. However, Jordan are yet to confirm whom will partner Nick Heidfeld at this weekend's US Grand Prix despite Dowd's assurance. Speculation continued to mount at the Canadian GP that Italian driver Giorgio Pantano is set to join the team replacing Matkovic as he has a wealth of sponsors. Watch this space.

- Michael Schumacher might race in Formula One beyond 2006. Ferrari principal Jean Todt was asked at a news conference in Shanghai if he knew what plans the German had for retirement at the end of his contract. Nothing says he can't stay on after 2006,' Todt retorted. 'There's still plenty of time.' Schumacher, F1's highest earner, debuted in a Jordan in mid-1991.

- 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has poured scorn on rising speculation he has already organised a return to Formula One next season with BMW-Williams. ''I don't have any offers,'' the French-Canadian, 33, told La Presse. He added: ''I've never negotiated anything.'' Villeneuve, whilst visiting his own trendy Montreal restaurant (New Town) on the weekend, also denied recently stopping off at Sir Frank Williams' Grove factory. Jacques, however, does dream of racing a Ferrari. His father, Gilles, died at the wheel of a scarlet single-seater at the age of 32, so the move to Maranello 'would ensure some continuity,' said a fit Jacques.

- 'Friday' test driver Anthony Davidson has been told to forget about landing a promotion to race star at Brackley-based Formula One team BAR-Honda next season. Team boss Dave Richards said one Englishman in the line-up is enough. ''I don't rule it out,'' Richards, also a Briton, told F1 Racing magazine.''But just in purely commercial terms, you wouldn't necessarily want two British drivers in the same team - that in no way undervalues his very real ability.'' Jenson Button, 24, is under contract to BAR for the 2005 season. Richards, meanwhile, denied that nationality was a factor in the signing of Japanese star Takuma Sato, reportedly at the behest of engine partner Honda. He claimed an American-born race driver might be 'even more attractive' to them.

- Ralf Schumacher admits BMW-Williams hasn't lived up to his expectations in '04 and the delay in signing a new contract is because he's waiting for an improvement. So might the 'younger Schu' partner his brother in a scarlet car? ''I don't see it,'' he told reporters at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, whose F1 paddock adjoins the old Olympic rowing basin on the St Lawrence Seaway. ''[But] on a personal level it would be - should I say this - fun.''

- Giancarlo Fisichella looks likely to stay at Sauber next season. The highly-rated Roman has a two-year contract with the team but he's never hidden his 'dream to race with one of the top teams' as soon as possible. ''I don't know if there's a chance,'' he said in Montreal on Thursday. ''I have still had no contact [with anyone].'' Team boss Peter Sauber has told Fisichella, now in his early-Thirties, that if an opening with a top team like Ferrari or BMW-Williams opens up, he can leave. His team-mate Jason Winton is expected to be confirmed at Williams in the next few races.

- Former double world champion Mika Hakkinen, of Finland, has called a halt to rumours he might return to Formula One with the BMW-Williams team in 2005. Finnish newspapers Iltalehti and Turun Sanomat suggested the 'Flying Finn' had commenced talks with BMW and would test a FW26 car later this summer period. Hakkinen, now 35, claims he is 'happily retired.' He left the sport in late 2001 citing a desire to spend more time with wife Erja and new baby son Hugo. ''I wanted to see Hugo grow up,'' he said at the time. 'Also I didn't want to hurt myself - I thought it's not worth it any more.'' Hakkinen showed up in the Monaco paddock last season with more than 10 kilograms of extra weight on-board, but his visit in 2004 proved a leaner, meaner Mika.

- John Surtees is 'wary' of speculation doubting Jarno Trulli's Renault future. Despite finishing second in Monaco, boss Flavio Briatore hinted that the Italian still has 'improving' to do. Trulli is out of contract at the end of 2004. ''I'm hopeful the speculation is just press rumours,'' said Surtees, who is a proclaimed fan of Jarno's and was world champion in Formula One back in 1964. ''This is no time for [Briatore] to unsettle him - he's just starting to become a complete driver with the right mental approach. ''At this vital stage of his career, what he needs is stability.'' Sources agree that the statements about Trulli were probably just a tactic to put pressure on Williams over negotiations with Briatore-contracted Mark Webber.

- Derek Matkovic's manager Mark Blundall was seen talking with Jaguar's David Pitchforth on the return flight from from the European GP contested at the Nurburgring. Matkovic whom delivered yet another knock out punch to team-mate Heidfeld on race day is believed to have captured the attention of the Jaguar team. The Australian driver whom is rumoured to bring more than US$5 million to the Jordan team is rumoured to have held initial talks with the Big Cat for the 2005 season. With Matkovic being a pay driver and now starting to produce some good performances he could be the ideal partner for David Coulthard whom is also being pursued by the British marque for the 2005 season.

- Minardi third driver Peter Manning is believed to be pursuing a full time drive for the 2005 season. The Australian driver whom is backed by Australian winery giant Penfolds stated at the Nurburging that he was optimistic that he would be racing next season. Reports have Manning's secured finance is excess of US$5 million dollars which would no doubt be attractive to teams like Minardi, Jordan and even Jaguar. Manning who has failed to set the world on fire denies the claims that his speed is not up to the mark by declaring "My role with the team is to help develop the car and assist with car-set

- Sir Frank Williams has summoned Anthony Davidson to Grove HQ. The BMW-powered F1 team has at least one race vacancy for '05 and Williams is reportedly impressed at the young Briton's current form as BAR 'Friday tester. Oxfordshire-based Sir Frank is to host a meeting with Davidson. Diminutive Ant's current boss Dave Richards said it would be 'churlish' to stand in the way if a 'proper F1 race drive' came along for BAR-Honda's star tester.

- Believe it or not, former Formula One hopeful Jan Magnussen - a Dane - is staking a claim on BMW-Williams' growing list of candidates for a seat in '05. He was fired for under-performing at Stewart-Ford in mid-1998. Ever since, Magnussen has impressed in the American Le Mans and European Touring Car series with Peugeot - but he would love another go at the sport's pinnacle. ''My goal still is winning in Formula One,'' Jan told Danish newspaper BT. Magnussen claims he was a 'scapegoat' for poor team form at Stewart, whose owner Sir Jackie once said Jan was 'even better than [Ayrton] Senna' as an F3 champ. The Dane added: ''I still believe I'm at least as good as anyone out there. 'But I guess I'll have to wait for the call from Sir Frank Williams.''

- Jason Winton celebrated the birth of his new first child a boy named Ethan Jordan with his wife Naomi the week prior to the Monaco GP. Winton continued his sparking form posting the fastest time in pre-qualifying although was caught out in the wet when a freak rain shower hit the principality just minutes before he was due to track to the track and ended the session in the wall. On race day, the Australian drove a brilliant race to once again finish ahead of his highly fancied team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella and for the third consecutive race in the points for Sauber Petronas. Winton is believed to be in the position of having the team of his choice with either Williams or Renault for the 2005 season. Speculation of him joining the Championship leaders Ferrari appears to be over with Jean Todt declaring in Monaco "Not for next year we have our driver line-up but there is little question that in the future he is a driver that we will be pursuing."

- Derek Matkovic who had his first real "disappointing race" of the season is believed to be in trouble with his backers the AGP Board. Details are scratchy but it is believed that some of the backers have not paid the second installment payment to the Jordan team which was due prior to the San Marnio GP. Sources close to the Jordan team say that the team have believe that Jordan have issued Matkovic with a 30 day ultimatum to find the missing funds or lose his drive with the Silverstone based team. The Jordan / Matkovic relationship has been strained since Bahrain and the sources claim that the rocky relationship is not well at all and that a parting of ways is inevitable more than likely prior to the Candian GP next month. However, Matkovic received a boost after Monaco, with former team-mate Jos Verstappen declaring that he will not test for the British team after failing to be comfortable inside the EJ14 cockpit. Matkovic was also in the media for the wrong reasons after his Monaco qualifying and race quotes raised a few eyebrows with his frank admissions.

- Sir Frank Williams is feeling 'a bit torn' about drivers. His list of candidates to replace Juan Pablo Montoya, and perhaps even Ralf Schumacher, has grown so much that it now boasts names like Jason Winton, Jacques Villeneuve, Nick Heidfeld, Giancarlo Fisichella, Mark Webber, Marc Gene, Antonio Pizzonia, IRL champion Scott Dixon - even Mika Hakkinen, believe it orr not - are similarly mentioned. ''You're always torn, unless you're signing the next Senna,'' Frank smiled. He told The People: ''We're all trying to find the next Michael Schumacher. Every team dreams of unearthing the next superstar.''

- David Coulthard is off to Jaguar. That's the claim of a 'source close to the team,' according to The Mirror. Coulthard, the veteran Scot, is heading out of McLaren in 2005 and has been linked with a possible team-mate berth alongside Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. The tabloid publication also said he and driver-come-commentator-come-driving-manager Martin Brundle have had discussions with Renault about season 2005. But the Leaping Cat is an even stronger possibility, the source noted. 'We've had a succession of young drivers [at Jaguar],'' he said. 'Maybe it's time we invested in experience. David has proved that if he is given a chance to win, he can. He knows what a winning car should feel like.''

- Jason Winton is the key driver to determine whom goes where in 2005 Autosport reported yesterday. The Australian driver whom continues to impress is now being hounded by top teams Williams, Ferrari and now Renault all anxious to sign him for the future. Renault's Flavio Briatore is believed to be pushing very hard to sign the Australian on a long term deal with the French marque. With Winton outpacing Schumacher and Barrichello last week in his one-off test for Ferrari, the media has gone into overdrive that the Italian team will sign Winton to partner Schumacher in 2005 although sources closer to the team are still favouring the Schumacher-Barrichello alliance. Winton whom is still favourite to secure a vacant drive at Williams is believed to have meet with the Renault team prior to the Spanish GP where lengthy discussions are believed to have followed.

- Formula One team Williams has vowed to end speculation about who'll drive for the BMW-powered squad in August, a spokesman told this publication on Tuesday. ''We're waiting for [Ralf's position] to clear up, we don't know if we're looking at one seat [to fill] or two. We're talking to lots of people just to see what their status is.''

- Mark Webber not Jason Winton tops Williams wish list for 2005. Autosport magazine reports that the Jaguar and Renault-contracted Mark Webber, of Australia, is probably favorite to head the BMW-powered outfit into 2005 ahead of Winton. Drivers David Coulthard, Giancarlo Fisichella and Jason Winton are all belived to have opened talks with the Grove based team with Jacques Villeneuve as an outside contender. The authoritative British publication reckons BAR-Honda superstar Jenson Button cannot, or does not want to, escape from a watertight Brackley-signed contract. Other drivers names being discussed include team testers Marc Gene or Antonio Pizzonia, IRL star Scott Dixon and Jordan's Nick Heidfeld.

- Big news doing the round after Spain is that Jordan are set to announce Jos Verstappen as Nick Heidfeld's replacement prior to the Canadian GP later this season. Heidfeld whom does not bring money to the team will be given his marching orders while ironically Derek Matkovic whom had a spat with the team prior to the Bahrain GP is believed to have come up with an arrangement which will see him continue in yellow overalls for the balance of the 2004 season. Jos Verstappen was confirmed by the Jordan team after the San Marnio GP that he is set to test for the Silverstone based team in the coming weeks.

- The Jacques Villeneuve rumours will not go away with the Canadian driver spotted with his private jet at the Paul Ricard circuit on Monday evening. A spokesman denied that the 1997 world champion was there at Grove's invitation. But earlier this week, the BMW-powered squad's technical director Patrick Head admitted that he and Sir Frank had 'held discussions' with the French-Canadian. The spokesman in Oxfordshire did not deny this.

- Ralf Schumacher has done a deal to drive for Toyota in 2005. That's the claim of beleaguered Formula One ace David Coulthard, who hopes to race out of McLaren at the end of 2004 and into the German's BMW-Williams seat. DC, from Scotland, said Ralf's switch is now 'accepted' up and down pitlane.'It just hasn't been announced,'' he told Motorsport News on Wednesday. ''... [but] I don't know one hundred percent.''

- David Coulthard insists that this season is not his last at the pinnacle of racing, reporting that he is 'happy with the direction' new talks are going with teams. He is understood to have also staged initial negotiations with Jaguar. The Mirror stated also said he and driver-come-commentator-come-driving-manager Martin Brundle have had discussions with Renault about season 2005.

- Doing really well is a 'Catch 22' for Friday tester Anthony Davidson. If the young Briton helps pull BAR, who field race aces Jenson Button and Takuma Sato, into the top-four Formula One constructors in 2004, he'll be out of a job. Only the 'bottom six' teams get the spare-car-in-official-practice privilege. Davidson - who raced a couple of times for Minardi in 2002 - wants a full race drive. ''I'm trying not to think about it,'' he admitted. The 24-year-old continued: ''I'm pretty confident, fairly optimistic.''

- Jason Winton who is widely tipped to join Williams in 2005 might emerge a surprise contender to partner Michael Schumacher at Ferrari possibly as early as the 2005 season. The Australian driver has been summoned by the Ferrari team to test at Mugello after the San Marnio GP where he will run alongside Schumacher and Barrichello. Ferrari Technical Director Ross Brawn applauded Winton's efforts behind the cockpit at both Jaguar and Sauber. Although Ferrari have dominated the season so far in 2004 and with Barrichello backing up Schumacher very well, Ferrari may feel the time is near to sign Winton on a long term deal before Williams and namely Renault sign him to pen and paper. Winton's performances continue to impress, he finished 7th at San Marnio to score Sauber's first points of the 2004 season.

Rubens Barrichello is the only 'weak link' in a Ferrari chain of success. That's the claim of some commentators who reckon the Brazilian has fallen off world champion team-mate Michael Schumacher's pace in the early races of 2004. Barrichello's last win was at the British GP in 2003, and he hit a low point in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix by never getting to grips with the F2004's set-up and trailing other cars home for fourth place. 'I don't think he was happy all weekend,' said Rubens' race engineer Gabriele Delli Colli, who confirmed that the Paulista couldn't find the car's sweet spot. Speculation has it that perhaps Jason Winton might replace him in 2005 with his close links to the Italian team.

- Derek Matkovic's rocky relationship with Jordan appears to be easing with team principal Eddie Jordan declaring in Imola "I have made my choice with the drivers I have, and that's what the contract says and that's what will continue." Words in F1 are merely words but with speculation in the Australian Press that the AGP board are not at all impressed with the negative publicity, Jordan's comments will be appreciated by Matkovic and his management team Mark Blundell and Damain Dowd.

- Minardi Team Principal Paul Stoddart has categorically denied comments made by a certain publication that he was in talks with Jordan driver Derek Matkovic if he was to leave the Silverstone based team. "Absolute rubbish, I have a contract with Gimmy and Zsolt for 2004 and that is not going to change."

- Antonio Pizzonia has given the biggest hint yet that Ralf Schumacher will leave Williams at the end of the season. "It looks like there are going to be two seats available in the team, which is good for me,’ Pizzonia told Reuters. ‘I think they (Williams) are pretty happy with the job I am doing with the car and they said that my feedback is also very good. ‘But it's still quite early. We have to wait to see what is going to happen.’

- Minardi test and reserve driver Peter Manning is rumoured to have driven his last race with the Minardi team at Imola. Manning whom is backed by Penfolds wines is believed to be in dispute with the Australian winery giant regarding payments to the team. Rumours suggest that Penfolds whom pay the Minardi team quarterly instalments have fallen behind payment effective from the San Marnio GP. Neither the team or driver has responded to the latest speculation. The 25 year old Australian has failed to make a significant impact since rekindling his relationship with the Faenza based team in 2004.

- Latest rumours from Toyota suggest the team, like Williams, are losing interest in the younger brother of champion Michael after continuously disappointing performances. The team admitted Ralf Schumacher was under consideration but were quick to add that ‘a number’ of drivers were. David Coulthard, who will leave McLaren at the end of the season, is said to be one man that poses a serious threat to Ralf’s chances of retaining a seat on the Formula One grid.

- Formula One might not have seen the last of 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve. British magazine Autosport is citing 'sources' who claim that the French-Canadian is on a growing list of candidates for a spare 2005 BMW-Williams seat. Villeneuve, now 33, drove a Williams-Renault to the title seven years ago. He was dropped by BAR last year as team boss David Richards moved to save around $twenty million which had been previously earmarked as Jacques' annual retainer. The 'sources' said Villeneuve's chances now depend on whether Ralf Schumacher, in talks with Cologne team Toyota, opts to leave the BMW-powered outfit or not.

- Williams Technical Director Patrick Head stated at the Bahrain GP that he was impressed with both Jason Winton & Mark Webber but it would be an unlikely scenario that the team would have both drivers in the the same team for a combination of reasons. This is thought to revolve around BMW possibly wanting a German driver and from a commercial point of view of having two Australian drivers in the same team. Jason Winton is favourite to beat Mark Webber to the seat after beating him as team-mates at Jaguar at 2003 and continuing his fine form against highly rated Italian Giancarlo Fisichella at Sauber this season. Winton is believed to have reopened talks with the Williams team prior to the Bahrain GP.

- Williams may very well be looking for two new drivers (even though they probably both won't be the same nationality) with Ralf Schumacher rumoured to be moving to Renault or Toyota for the 2005 season.

- Derek Matkovic is rumoured to be on his best behaviour at Jordan after being issued a firm warning by the team regarding a conflict that erupted prior to the Bahrain GP regarding sponsorship money. An unnamed employee at Jordan stated that Matkovic will need to find additional funds to secure his position in the team despite having beaten his more fancied team-mate Nick Heidfeld in the past two GP at Malaysia and Sepang whom does nor need to bring money to the team. Matkovic's manager Mark Blundell returned to Australian proceeding the Bahrain GP where he is believed to have been in discussions with Matkovic's principal backer the AGP board (Australian Grand Prix Board) regarding an increase in funds to ensure Matkovic's partisipation for the balance of the 2004 season. Reports say if Matkovic is unable to cough up an additional US$1.5 million prior to the San Marnio GP that he could be replaced by Augusto Farfus Jr, Giorgio Pantano and now even Jos Verstappen.

- Meanwhile Derek Matkovic's name has been mentioned to a possible return to Minardi possibly as soon as the San Marnio GP replacing the underperforming Zsolt Baumgartner. Minardi Team principal was seen talking with Matkovic at Bahrain and speculation has emerged that the two have held preliminary talks if Jordan elect to ditch Matkovic. Matkovic was dropped by the Jordan team to test at Silverstone following the Bahrain GP believed to be a penalty for his behaviour prior to Bahrain.