Dave Richards to be released from BAR

UPDATE #2 We are bumping this rumor back up from false to speculation. Our sources maintain that Richards was told he was out and he has now mounted a spirited defense of his position and has gone hardball threatening legal action, pulling people, etc. basically fighting for his life. Our sources answer to the Pitpass report that the rumors were false – What would you expect a BAR spokesperson to say? It is still run by Richards. 10/28/04 BAR has rubbished a rumor which has been spreading on the internet in the past 48-hours, claiming that team boss had been fired. The rumor, which has been the main topic of conversation on a number of Formula One website forums, suggested that Richards had been fired for his role in 'Buttongate' and the Brackley outfit's failure to land any new sponsors. "I can say that there is no truth to the rumor that David has resigned or is stepping down from his position as Team Principal of BAR," Communications Manager, Tracy Novak told Pitpass. "David is part of the management team contracted by BAT to manage BAR and there are a further two years left to run on that contract." 10/28/04 Sources in Europe are telling us that it appears Dave Richards is soon to be out at BAR. Apparently he is fighting to keep the position, but whether he stays or not, he will be paid for two years salary. If true, this is big news, though we wonder why after BAR is coming off its best year ever.