Grapevine: Davidson Unlikely to Race in China
Anthony Davidson's hopes of being granted a race-seat with BAR at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix as replacement for Takuma Sato were looking unlikely to be realised on Tuesday - despite wild speculation in British newspapers saying he was poised to get the chance
The reports suggested that Davidson was being put on stand-by to replace Sato for the season finale, with BAR chiefs having lost patience with Sato after a number of incidents this year - including his disqualification from the Japanese Grand Prix for causing an avoidable accident with Jarno Trulli.
Autosport-Atlas understands, however, that BAR and Honda are both determined to see-out the season with Sato - especially because Honda are pushing hard to secure the Japanese driver a seat with a new team next year.
Davidson would obviously relish the chance to prove himself in a race situation with BAR - especially as he targets a seat on the grid in 2006.
Speaking to The Times, he said: "I am ready. I have never been more ready. My problem is that people doubt whether I can race. They know I have the speed because they have seen me in testing. But I have to prove that I am a racing driver and not just someone who pounds around lap after lap."
Davidson did have one opportunity with BAR earlier this season when he replaced the unwell Sato, but his race was over after just two laps when his Honda engine blew up.
"I hardly had a chance to make an impact," he added. "I am anxious to get one last chance before this season is over."
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