Their director Deborah Arnott said: It is deplorable that Formula One teams under pressure

Their director, Deborah Arnott, said: “It is deplorable that Formula One teams, under pressure from their tobacco sponsors, are threatening to undermine the new law when its intention is perfectly clear – that is, an end to the glamorisation of smoking via sport.”It is also regrettable that the European Commission have not given member states clear guidance on the implementation of the directive. The pan-European ban comes in at midnight tonight amid confusion over possible clarifications that would allow these teams to continue carrying logos at certain venues.The anti-smoking pressure group ASH launched a public attack on those teams who plan to carry on. Asked recently who he thought was doing a good job out of the limelight, Michael Schumacher replied: “Massa. Give him a good car and I am sure that he will shine.” Massa said yesterday that nothing has yet been agreed, but he was Ferrari’s test driver in 2003 and has proved he is more than ready to move up.Ferrari, like BAR and Renault, face other problems. This race marks the last time that cars may officially appear with tobacco advertising, which first appeared on Colin Chapman’s Lotus F1 cars in 1968. Jenson Button emphatically, in capital letters, is not for sale.”The news about Barrichello lacked such drama.

BAR’s sporting director, Gil de Ferran, who has known his fellow Brazilian Barrichello since childhood, simply told Brazilian television: “It’s always nice to work with old friends”.There is no word yet on who will replace Barrichello, but Sauber’s Felipe Massa must be a good bet after several excellent drives in 2005. There needs to be a clear understanding of the word ‘commitment’. Once you give your word, you should keep your word.”We have a right – and proper and correct legal right – to expect him to be here English law is as clear as it comes We will defend ourselves in court We will protect our interests. I want to win races and fight for the world championship, and I cannot afford three years to build up another team. It was definitely a mistake to sign a contract so early, I was a little misguided, but that’s ultimately my responsibility.”
To which Sir Frank Williams countered: “Jenson could have been better advised Williams have a fully binding contract There is no let-out clause It is very clear and straightforward. “I suppose it is ironic,” Button conceded, having done everything he could 12 months ago to try to leave BAR for Williams.

“But I need to be in the best position that I can be, with the best team I’ve been in F1 six years and I haven’t won a race. First of all there has been BAR-Honda’s clumsy handling of Jenson Button’s hope of breaking his Williams contract to stay with them. Then came confirmation that Rubens Barrichello will be quitting Ferrari at the end of the season to go to BAR. Whether he will partner Button or the current No 2, Takuma Sato, is unlikely to be resolved for many months.

The initials of McLaren Project Four (MP4) are used to number the cars, currently at MP4/20.. If the Hungaroring is to excitement and overtaking what political correctness is to freedom of speech, at least some of the off-track action has entertained. In 1980 his new company Project Four merged with Team McLaren Ltd to form McLaren Int. He is chairman, CEO and 30 per cent owner of the McLaren Group, and team principal of the McLaren F1 team.Also: the phrase “Ronspeak” describes the business-oriented way in which he speaks during interviews In 2000 he was given a CBE. BIOGRAPHY Born: 1 June 1947 in Woking.Motoring career: joined The Cooper Racing Car Company in 1966 Moved to Brabham Racing and became chief mechanic in 1968.