With the bulk of the work for 2009 completed, and fundamentally just a build programme left to run, it is a probability that some 500 people could find themselves surplus to requirements whilst the team is restructured for a new buyer. with a customer engine supply being required, most likely from Ferrari, and a cutting down of general staffing levels, a reborn team in 2009 would need around £75m to operate in a reasonably competitive fashion. This is a saving in excess of £125m on Honda's current spend.

We hear that one buyer is also open to the prospect of a pay driver, required to bring in around £10m for the season, cutting costs still further, but perhaps reducing outright performance.

Whilst Jenson Button has a contract in place, we understand it's not been finalised and signed, leaving him in the situation where he could be without a drive in Formula One next year. Rubens Barrichello was yet to reach agreement and, as such, is unlikely to be on the grid unless the spare drive at Toro Rosso comes his way.