The BBC is claiming that Honda is on the verge of purchasing BAR, or at the very least acquiring a large slice of the Brackley outfit.

It is also claiming that should the move go ahead, David Richards would leave the team, with Nick Fry taking control.

The story appears to be based on comments from the inevitable "sources", with one claiming: "Honda will buy the team eventually - some time in the next 12 months." While another adds: "My understanding is that Honda is going to buy a percentage of BAR, but not a controlling interest. There is a deal done, but there are some loose ends to tie up."

There has been talk of Honda making a bid for BAR for some time, but there are also claims that should the FIA proceed with its plans for a 2.4 litre V8 engine format, the Japanese manufacturer would quit the sport.

Several weeks ago a number of websites ran stories suggesting that David Richards had been sacked, whereas the poor chap had merely gone on holiday, following a long, but successful season, and the (almost) equally long-running, and also successful, Jenson Button saga.

With the F1 tobacco ban looming, the team will need to start looking to its future, and in many ways it would make sense for Honda to take a major stake in the outfit. However, one cannot help but feel that certain elements appear to be rocking the boat.