Red hot rumors were running rampant all day at Imola today that Honda had reversed its decision to leave WSC on a factory level in 2003.

According to new world champion Colin Edwards II, Honda told him after the Suzuka eight hour that because of losses at Honda Europe, they would be shuttering the Castrol team and that he should look for another job.

Then Edwards took the new Suzuka eight hours spec RC51 to Europe and destroyed the competition, making it a two way battle for the championship until the final round. Edwards won the world championship today for Honda, but probably will not be back on a Honda in 2003 simply because of Honda's post-eight hour statements to him. He is widely reported to have signed a letter of intent with Ducati Corse to replace Troy Bayliss there next season.

Now paddock rumors say they are considering staying, and the presence of key Japanese execs at the Castrol tent at Imola fueled the rumor flames.

If true, this puts Honda in the awkward position of trying to replace Edwards, a rider they have had under contract for years. Since late July they have had the upper hand on the racetrack, and the services of one of the best riders in the paddock, a combination that looked as if it could be competitive through at least the first half of the 2003 season, especially with the changing of the guard at Ducati for 2003. The Honda will probably never wear the number one plate it rightfully earned today at Imola.

Edwards' chief mechanic, Adrian Gorst, is heavily rumored to be leaving Honda for Ducati as well.

Honda's management of their rider resources in world championship racing has been interesting to watch for the past six months or so. From the assignment of extra RC211V machines, to the sudden signing of Nick Hayden to the Repsol team (even though they'd already signed Ukawa there), to pushing Edwards to a rival team mid-season, at the very least it has been interesting to watch. On the one hand, the philosophy of Mr. Honda regarding racing seems to live on: hire the best and give them the best and let costs be damned. On the other, giving Edwards the push while he still had a chance at the world title all the while knowing that a much improved engine would debut is odd.

Castrol Honda PR man Chris Herring had no comment regarding the team's 2003 plans.