Button Returns to Williams Next Year

British driver Jenson Button is to join Williams for next season, the Formula One team said tonight.

The 24-year-old will leave his present team BAR at the end of 2004. He currently lies third in the drivers' championship with 61 points this season.

Button made his Formula One debut with Williams, in the 2000 season. He was replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya the following year and, after two seasons with Benetton/Renault, the young Briton moved to BAR-Honda.

The announcement comes as a surprise, as Button has a long-term contract with BAR. However, the rising star has been considered Frank Williams's choice, the team owner frequently speaking highly of Button.

BAR have yet to issue a statement, and it now remains unclear who will drive for the team next year. The Brackley-based outfit has an option on Button's teammate, Japanese Takuma Sato.

Button will pair Australian Mark Webber, who signed a long term deal with Williams last week. The two drivers have worked together in Benetton/Renault, when Webber was the team's test driver in 2001.

Last week, during a promotional tour of South Africa, Button told reporters he rates Webber as the biggest future threat to the World Championship, speaking highly of the Australian's commitment.