BAR Delighted to Keep Button

The BAR team said they were delighted after the Contracts Recognition Board ruled in their favour in a tug-of-war between them and Williams over Jenson Button.

"BAR has expressed delight at the confirmation today from the Contracts Recognition Board that BAR's contract with Jenson Button is the only valid contract for 2005," said the team in a statement.

"Jenson has played a crucial role in BAR's success over the past two seasons, particularly this year when BAR is hopeful of finishing second in the 2004 Constructors' Championship."

The decision, announced three days after a hearing involving all parties in Milan, dashed the 24-year-old's hopes of an immediate return to the team with which he made his Grand Prix debut in 2000.

Button, with a career best third place in the Championship secured, had agreed a two-year deal with BMW-powered Williams on advice from his management but BAR said their contract was watertight and still had a year to run.

The Swiss-based Contract Recognition Board is an independent body, backed by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA), that resolves contract disputes in the notoriously litigious sport.

A driver can only enter the world championship if he has a recognised contract.

"Naturally, I am disappointed by the ruling, but as a matter of principle, I firmly believe in standing by the decision the CRB have reached today," said Button in a Williams statement.