Full Throttle

An astonishing total of twelve Formula One drivers still don’t know which car they will be in next year — if any!

Team pull-outs, new entrants, contract wrangles and Mercedes-Benz politics have triggered an unprecedented melting pot. The transfer market has suddenly gone horribly quiet as drivers without deals jostle for position as if they are out on the track.

Here are the dozen who are still waiting and wondering.

JENSON BUTTON: The world champion looks like staying with Brawn but it’s not definite. He is seeking a £5million salary boost which just might not be forthcoming unless Mercedes takes its rumored 75 per cent stake in the team. Toyota were waiting in the wings at one point. But they’ve now packed their bags and headed back to Japan.

KIMI RAIKKONEN: His wallet may be bulging with his £25million payoff from Ferrari. But the moody Finn, unconvincing in 2009 to say the least, may not be able to add to his fortune in 2010. A deal with McLaren looks close but it may depend on where Mercedes decides to spend most of its money. McLaren or Brawn? JARNO TRULLI: Out of a job after Toyota’s withdrawal. Hot tip for the new Lotus team. But will they be able to afford him? And perhaps, after such a long time at the top, Jarno, 35, would prefer to tend the grapes at his renowned vineyard.

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN: Looks to be on his way out of McLaren. But nothing has been said officially, so he is still in with a faint chance of staying. Was probably bound for Toyota before they waved the white flag. Now most likely to be fighting Timo Glock for the second Renault seat, assuming they don’t bolt the sport, alongside Robert Kubica.

TIMO GLOCK: See above re Renault. He is said to be on the verge of a deal. But he may have other options, with new teams Manor Grand Prix and Qadback among those interested.

NICK HEIDFELD: BMW refugee is talking to virtually everyone — including even McLaren, for whom he was once a valued protege. His trump card is that he is an ace test driver, which would appeal to all the new teams seeking an experienced opinion.

ADRIAN SUTIL: He is holding back from signing a new deal with Force India just in case bigger names fall by the wayside in contract negotiations, in which case an opportunity with a top team could emerge. However, put your money on another year feeling the Force.

KAMUI KOBAYASHI: Looked to be a lock to be signed by Toyota after two terrific drives when he stood in for the injured Glock at Suzuka and Abu Dhabi. The Japanese company’s withdrawal has left him high and dry. But his performances did not go unnoticed by other teams.

GIANCARLO FISICHELLA: A huge disappointment at Ferrari but he will stay on as reserve driver when Felipe Massa returns. And his contract will allow him to race for other teams. He may head back to Force India but Qadbak are another option.

NELSON PIQUET: Anxious to return to F1 following his Crashgate shame. His name is still mud in some quarters. But he is well-backed and funding is all-important, particularly to the new teams. Campos Meta might give him another chance.

PEDRO DE LA ROSA: McLaren’s highly-experienced test driver is said to be wanted by Campos Meta and the USF1 newcomer. But McLaren will want to keep him if possible as he is almost part of the furniture at Woking.

In addition to the dozen named above are those circling like sharks in kiddies pool waiting for the first nibble at a drivers seat.

Michael Schumacher tops that list as Ferrari has hinted (shortly after the Toyota pullout and indecisive “decision” by Renault) they were open to running three cars in 2010 if approved by the FIA. Fat chance at approval, but hey, it’s worth a try.

Also circling are Ant Davidson, Jacques Vileneuve, Romain Grosjean (if Renault bails), Neel Jani, Narain Karthikeyan, Kazuki Nakajima and what can rightfully be called a cast of thousands.

And then there are the “Young Guns” who take to the track next month at Jerez. In a special test session drivers with less than three races of F1 experience are eligible. The teams have decided to run at Jerez between 1-3 December.

Ferrari has allocated the days to the top three finishers in the Italian F3 championship: Italians Daniel Zampieri and Marco Zipoli, and the Mexican teenager Pablo Sanchez Lopez.

Red Bull will run the British F3 champion Daniel Ricciardo, a young Australian, and New Zealander Brendon Hartley will be at the wheel of the Toro Rosso.

Williams confirmed this week that Spaniard Andy Soucek will be driving on the first day as his prize for winning the F2 title, before the team’s 2010 race driver Nico Hulkenberg takes over.

BMW-Sauber will be running with Formula BMW champions Alexander Rossi, a Californian, and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez.

Like Brawn, McLaren’s lineup is not known, but occasional test driver Gary Paffett, 28, is eligible. Toyota had been expected to run Kamui Kobayashi until the carmaker announced its immediate withdrawal from F1.

Renault will use the new World Series champion Bertrand Baguette, a Belgian, as well as team test driver Lucas di Grassi.

Force India is expected to turn out at the Spanish circuit with the Indian hopeful Karun Chandhok and Neel Jani, a Swiss whose father is Indian.