BAR Focusing on Racing, Says Richards

BAR-Honda boss Dave Richards has said that the dispute with driver Jenson Button will be put on hold until the end of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Arguments over Button's future are ongoing after BAR challenged the Briton's announcement that he would move to Williams-BMW at the end of the year.

But, after seeing Takuma Sato and Button finish sixth and eighth respectively in Friday's second practice session at the Hungaroring, Richards insisted the dispute would be forgotten for the duration of the race weekend.

"This weekend what we've agreed - and there has an awful lot said in the press over the last few days from Jenson and the team - we are going to dump it down," said Richards. "This weekend it is about racing and the whole situation is in front of the CRB (Contract Recognition Board). It will be resolved in due course and then after that we can reflect on it.

"Now, when tensions are high and emotions are high, it is best to forget about these issues and just get on with racing in Hungary. Motor racing is the objective of this weekend."

Richards denied there was any ill-feeling with the BAR garage over the manner of Button's announcement and the subsequent challenge launched by BAR. He said the working relationship within the team had been thoroughly professional, despite media speculation to the contrary.

"It is very professional (relationship in the team), as is Jenson's with me," said Richards. "We've sat down with the entire team and had a chat about things and this is usual as far as motor racing is concerned. I expect it (a resolution) to be between Spa and Monza."