The Silly Season kicks off in style

[Tony]

It's a tad early for the <FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Silly Season</FONT f> to begin but it appears that these things become more complicated every year.

It’s now rumoured that new kid on the block Jenson Button may be driving for Jordan next season. So how does that come about?

It will all start with Johnny Herbert leaving Jaguar (or maybe he's getting the boot?). Then HHF would leave Jordan to partner Eddie Irvine over at Jag. Remember that these two drivers were previously team-mates for Jordan during their F3000 days. So that will leave a position free at Jordan. It’s rumoured that team chief Frank Williams has approached Montoya's boss to see if his former test driver can be released from his three-year contract a year early. Montoya would then replace Button at Williams. Button would then be available to join Jordan, and we all know Eddie Jordan's track record with rookie drivers who show exceptional potential.

Now the only drawback on all of this is that Button would only be on loan from Williams as he has a long-term contract there. Now where have we seen this before? Fisishella springs to mind here, and look what happened with him leaving Jordan prematurely.

I suppose we’ll be hearing stranger things as the season progresses, but sure its all a part of the sport, isn’t it?

[Astraman]

Tony,
What about Trulli.He like Fissicella was is on a long term Benneton contract and he may be off at the end of the season as Benneton look to replace Wurz.

[Tony]

I wasn't aware that Trulli has a contract with Benetton. He did drive for the junior Benetton team all right a few years ago, so I suppose its possible. Anyone else know about this? :confused:

[Chancer]

Jordan badly needs the services of an experienced driver so they can receive useful feedback when testing the car. I can’t see that happening if they only have the likes of Trulli and Button next year. Even though Hill was crap when it came to driving the car last year, I’d say his suggestions on improving the car were invaluable. This is what Jordan need for their winter testing and to continue into the next season if they are to have any chance against the likes of Williams and Benetton.

[Astraman]

Tony,
It's not a maybe it's a fact.
Trulli is on a long term Benneton Contract.
Benneton got him a drive with the Minardi team just like they did with Fissi.
He was then moved on to a better team if you can call Prost that.
If Trulli strts to show massive potential like Fissi did when at Jordan the Benneton will take up their option on him.
The only factor which may keep Trulli at Jordan is the fact that Renault want Villeneuve to lead their team.

[Tony]

That’s bad news indeed then Astraman. Why can’t Jordan find themselves young budding drivers and get them into longer contracts? Surely its not that hard to get your hands on up and coming drivers before the competition does? I mean in the end Jordan are wasting their time nurturing the skills of these drivers, only to see them leave to go to other teams. It’s about time they got some full time drivers of their own.

[WhipLash]

Actually the rumours about Button have been denied by both Williams and Jordan. However, going on previous years, that probably means that there’s some truth in it. I have to say that I think this is a great part of the season when these rumours abound http://www.eforecourt.com/UBB/yap.gif

[Chancer]

Apparantly Montoya will replace Button next year. According to close sources "Williams bosses Frank Williams and Patrick Head are believed already to have decided to bring the Colombian back from the USA to partner Ralf Schumacher next season. In practice, Montoya is already sure of the seat. Williams is expected to put the finishing touches to the deal this week, according to one source."

[Astraman]

Montoya will most definately be an excellent addition to F1.It's a shame to be wasting such a talent in champcars.
He has proven he can jump series and still win by winning the Indianappolis 500 in an IRL car at his first attempt.
He may be in my opinion the next Senna.
Button while being a good driver is not in the same class as Juan Pablo or Ralf Shumacher.If I was Frank I'd put Montoya in the car as soon as possible.