Solved

Free contract driver

I have been following a driver for weeks and saved him in my searches. 
He is now available after all this time. However when I have gone to purchase him it has a padlock by him.

Eh ? What's the point of a shortlist then,
And why would I want old drivers back,
I've waited about 20 races to get this driver and your telling me I can't have him.
Ridiculous. 
I mean where does the driver go or end up now, will it ever be unlocked.?
Feels like I've completely wasted my time ?

How will I know if he's been auctioned?
And does that give me about three minutes to buy him because he will be snapped up almost immediately. 
So I take it your saying to forget him as you and I know when he goes to auction I won't get him, where as for three weeks I have just wasted my time in shortlisting him., 
Good grief what a awful rule. 
I don't understand your explanation of stopping people from gathering the best drivers etc I don't know what it's about and how this rule stops it, but I bet my bottom dollar they are still doing it somehow and it spoils it for the rest of us. 
Shame. 

The rule works wel.  Before it was implemented the majority of high talent drivers were hoovered up by managers using automated scripts.  These drivers were bought not to use but to prevent others from having high talent drivers.  

It could be solved if a notification is sent that the driver has become available at auction