Button Meets with Richards; Reaffirms Williams Move

Jenson Button's management company, Essentially Sport, today confirmed that the British driver had met with BAR team principal Dave Richards this morning and confirmed that he will move to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team for 2005.

A statement was issued following the meeting by Button, but no further statement has yet been made by BAR. However, according to Button, the meeting was "constructive".

"Given the circumstances, the meeting was constructive," Button said. "David is now in no doubt of my intention to return to BMW Williams in 2005. My contractual position allows for this. I have also clarified that I am not moving for money, and my motivation is straightforward determination to win a World Championship, determination which I am sure he, as a competitive person, well understands. Naturally, the main element of disagreement is whether these ambitions would be better served by BMW Williams or BAR, but I have made my decision."

Button added: "Essentially Sport were not permitted to hold private contractual discussions with BAR. I do not feel it was constructive for BAR to leak details of these discussions. I have worked hard and contributed 7 podiums and 61 of the team's 76 points this season. Drivers are changing teams up and down the paddock at the moment - an accepted and fundamental element of our sport - and I wish that my return to Williams would have been less acrimonious in light of the contribution I have made to BAR this season."

Finally, Button said: "Now that I have met with David and we have both had the opportunity to express our points of view, the most important matter is that the hard work and commitment to racing from everybody in Brackley is repaid with strong results for the remainder of the season, which I have every intention of doing."