In 2003, Ron Dennis referred to the teams taking part in the two-hour Friday free-practice sessions at each Grand Prix as "track cleaners". Flavio Briatore famously took a swipe at the McLaren boss following Fernando Alonso's victory at the Hungaroring, by dedicating the win to "all the housewives of the world".

The truth is that, for the most part, those teams that took part in the Friday sessions turned them to their advantage, particularly Renault and Jaguar.

This year, to stifle any hopes of Renault repeating its 2003 success, Ron Dennis was the prime mover behind a whole new raft of regulations pertaining to the 'lower' teams. The bottom six in the 2003 World Championship were to be allowed a third car in the two Friday free practice sessions along with the twenty championship contenders, however the driver of the third car could not have taken part in more than six Grands Prix in the preceding two years, which prevented teams from employing experienced 'hot shots'.

None the less, that hasn't prevented BAR, in particular, from making a serious leap forward, courtesy of Anthony Davidson.

Now, in what appears to be clear-cut case of being 'hoist with his own petard', Ron Dennis could see his own cars taking part in the Friday free practice sessions next season.

Assuming the rules regarding the 'third car' remain the same, Minardi, Jordan, Toyota, Jaguar and Sauber could find themselves joined by McLaren which is currently fifth in the championship, five points behind WilliamsF1.

Then again, running a third car hasn't proved disadvantageous to BAR, so perhaps Dennis might welcome the idea. Furthermore, the rules relating to 'third drivers' wouldn't apply to either Pedro de la Rosa or Alexander Wurz.

Although the final positions in the constructors' Championship decide the prize money that teams receive, Dennis might feel that it's a case of 'swings and roundabouts', there are many who feel that with the new rules due to come into effect next season, running a 'third car' could prove advantageous.

No doubt Ron has everything under control.