BAR-Button to meet on Sunday

On Thursday BAR issued an ultimatum to Button's management company requiring him to attend a face-to-face meeting with BAR's management, by close of business on Monday, or face immediate action to enforce BAR's contract with him. Button's management team has since contacted Richards to set a date for the meeting tomorrow (Sunday).

Richards insists Button will not join rivals Williams next year and has claimed that the Briton's contract with BAR for 2005 is currently with the Contracts Recognition Board (CRB) in Switzerland, who have told Richards that BAR's contract with Button is valid.

"The option was taken up by Jenson's management, there is no question about that," he said. "The contract is lodged with the CRB in Switzerland and we have confirmation from them. My first priority now is to sit down and talk to Jenson about this, so far we haven't had the opportunity.

"There is a deadline for this and that deadline is the close of business on Monday. Frank Williams called me to say this was happening. He thought he had been assured by the management firm that Jenson was free to move. My opinion is that Jenson will be in our team next year."

Richards added: "The only conclusion I can reach is that he (Button) hasn't heard our side. I will give Jenson the benefit of the doubt. He's 23-years-old and I have children of a similar age and occasionally my wayward son has done some extraordinary things, but I still forgive him and still think he's a wonderful son."

Meanwhile, Button himself still insists that he is on his way to Williams next year as he sees it as the best opportunity to become world champion.

"I am going to be driving for Williams next season," he told Radio Five Live. "I'm not a legal expert but from the information I have I am able to race for Williams next year. My main aim in Formula 1 is to be world champion and I want to challenge Michael Schumacher for the next few years and to do that Williams is the best team."