The driver market is the subject of much attention in Magny Cours today, with the media speculating on who goes where in the annual round of driver swapping between teams.  Much of today's gossip in the paddock surrounded Jacques Villeneuve and Oliver Panis, with BAR expected to confirm that both drivers will remain in 2003 but observers maintaining that one of the two will be replaced as team boss David Richards seeks to concentrate the team's financial resources on improving performance.

Villeneuve told the FIA press conference that he would be staying next season and is understood to have a tight contract, while Panis maintains he too will remain.  Also under scrutiny is Jensen Button with the news that Renault is said to be on the verge of announcing Fernando Alonso as team mate to Jarno Trulli next year.

In the event that this happens Button is said to have had approaches from several teams including Toyota and Sauber, but he remains contracted to Frank Williams and could end up back with Williams in due course.