By Phil Huff
August 14 2005

BAR Honda's third and test driver Anthony Davidson is free to find a drive with another Formula One team, should BAR fail to renew his contract by the end of the month. Davidson himself is keen to remain at BAR Honda, but is adamant that he must have a race seat. "I've learned as much as I can testing," Davidson told Autosport, "and I have to race again."

"I want to remain at BAR. It's the team I love," he continued," but whatever happens I want to be a race driver. If I am offered any paid drive, it's definitely worth considering."

Davidson has always been a strong racer, finishing runner up in the British F3 championship in his last full season of racing. Since then he's spent most of his time testing for BAR Honda, impressing greatly when he had the chance to run in the Friday practice sessions before a Grand Prix.

With BAR Honda being unable to run a third car this year, due to their successful 2004 campaign, Davidson's profile is suffering, so he's keen to make a move as soon as possible.

A distinct possibility is a seat at Midland F1, currently Jordan. Adrian Burgess, the Silverstone teams Sporting Director, commented "We would definitely be interested in Anthony, as he is a good talent. If we had a driver of that experience and ability, he'd be able to tell us a huge amount about the car and how to develop it."

BAR Honda team chief Nick Fry is quick to sing Anthony's praises, saying "He's used to driving for a decently-resourced and run Formula One team and I think Anthony is raring to drive. We wouldn't unreasonably stand in his way to do that."

Davidson does however remain a consideration for a seat at BAR Honda, with the team lining up a formidable range of talent should Jenson Button be forced to Williams. Along with the seemingly BAR bound Rubens Barrichello, talks are also going on with Nick Heidfeld and Takuma Sato. Along with Davidson, that could leave as many as four drivers chasing the one seat.

Suggestions that Giancarlo Fisichella is under consideration, in a complex deal that would see Button at Williams and Mark Webber at Renault, are thought to be wide of the mark.

BAR Honda are currently refusing to comment on speculation regarding their 2006 options.