BAR Honda driver Jenson Button issued a statement on his website today, apologizing for comments he had made during an interview questioning the notion of women in Formula 1.

The Englishman received harsh criticism for his comments from prominent figures involved in racing, including IRL star Danica Patrick, and former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell.

The Formula 1 Review Team has been working hard over the past few weeks to improve the layout and design of its website. We regret not being able to cover the exciting season finale, but to compensate our valuable and loyal readers, a comprehensive season review is being compiled and will be published soon. The team would also like to congratulate Fernando Alonso and the Renault F1 Team for a deserved victory.

BAR Honda will complete a test drive in the Mojave Desert, Utah, on Friday as part of a plan to break the 400 km / h barrier with a Formula 1 car.

The attempt was originally planned for October, but was scrapped after heavy rainfall hit the region.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that McLaren Mercedes is finalizing plans to introduce a second team in 2007, with former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi as team principal. Funding for the project is said to come from Asian investors.

No further details are known, except that the new team would use the old McLaren base in Woking as headquarters.