By Phil Huff
August 11 2005

BAR Honda have signed a contract with current Williams driver Nick Heidfeld that would see the German move to the team, should Williams not take up their option. Heidfeld, currently on a one year deal with Williams, but with a further option on Williams side, is currently tipped to move to the new BMW team but, according to reports at GP2005.com, an offer and contract from BAR Honda worth in excess of $5 million a year have moved the focus to Brackley.

Williams need to renew their option with Heidfeld by 11 September this year. After that, the German driver is free to go elsewhere. With Jenson Button currently looking likely to go to Williams, and the Williams team intending to retain Mark Webber, it looks likely that the option will not be taken.

BAR Honda are rumoured to have signed Rubens Barrichello on a two year contract, although confirmation is not forthcoming from the team. Should Button be forced to leave for Williams, BAR Honda could snap up Heidfeld, leaving Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson out in the cold.