BAR aiming for second

The dispute over whether BAR will retain the services of its lead driver Jenson Button - who has committed himself to Williams for next year - and a new rear wing deflection test introduced at Hungary, have served as unwelcome distractions. BAR is even understood to have been forced modify its wings for the next two races in Belgium and Italy.

"It's a bit of a strong test," said the team's technical director Geoff Willis. "Almost a bit over the top, but if that is what the regulations are then there is no problem in passing it. Unfortunately we have got two medium-downforce wings for Spa and Monza and they haven't been run before, so we will probably have to modify those because physically they are smaller and less stiff than this test requires."

Button is comfortably third in the drivers' standings and can still catch Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello for second. But he too must put the distractions of recent weeks to one side.

"I am excited about returning to race at Spa," he said. "I think it is every F1 driver's favourite track. It has great high-speed corners and a complex of good slow speed corners as well. I am looking forward to the race and to hopefully gaining some more all important points for the team."

Richards reckons that BAR is weathering the storm well and can still be a competitive force in the remaining races: "The team did an excellent job in Hungary two weeks ago in difficult circumstances and demonstrated an incredible level of professionalism.

"Everyone is very motivated by our strength relative to the immediate competition and with the resumption of testing after Spa, the hard work continues to maintain the momentum we have shown throughout the season. With five races still remaining there is a great deal to play for."