What now for Rubens and Jenson?

With Honda making the shock announcement that they'll be pulling out of Formula One if they don't get a new owner within the next two months, a big cloud has been cast over the futures of drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button.

Honda has blamed rising costs of running a F1 team and the global financial crisis for it's downfall. The Japanese manufacturer bought BAR in 2000 and had it's strongest run in 2006 when Button won the Hungarian Grand Prix and helped Honda to fourth in the constructors standings. Unfortunately, the team has slumped since then and scored just 14 constructors championship points in 2008.

If Honda doesn't find a buyer by the end of January 2009 they'll be forced to completely end their participation in the sport completely which will leave the very experienced Barrichello and Button without a drive for next season. Barrichello is the most experienced driver in the field at the moment and it was speculated ! that he's call it quits quite soon but Button on the other hand still has quite a few years left in racing and to be without a team at this point in his career can't be good.

Most of the teams have already confirmed their driver lineup for next season apart from Toro Rosso which could present Button with an opportunity if the team is open to the possibility.