Reports in the Brazilian press indicate that the deal has been done for Rubens Barrichello to leave Ferrari at the end of the current 2005 championship season and move across the paddock to the British American Racing team where he will join forces with good friend Gil de Ferran who is the Brackley based squad’s Sporting director.

While Barrichello is denying any such moves, speculation regarding this move has been strong for weeks now but it seems as if F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has added his weight to the situation, telling journalists that not only is the Barrichello/BAR deal done, but also the deal for the Brazilian’s replacement at Ferrari, another Brazilian racer, Felipe Massa.

"I've got nothing to say more than I have already said, I've got a contract with Ferrari and that's it,” Rubens said. “Rumours are going mad and I think that in Brazil they wish to see a change and that's why they keep on saying it."

Time will tell…..