Button Speaks: I Want to Stay at BAR

Jenson Button has broken his silence about his desire to stay at BAR and, in an exclusive interview with Autosport, pleaded with Frank Williams to understand why he does not want to join his team next year

Although Williams have a contractual hold over Button's services for 2006 after next month's Turkish Grand Prix, the British driver has now gone public in saying he wants to stay at BAR because they will give him a better chance of becoming World Champion.

Speaking to Autosport, Button said he hopes he and team boss Frank Williams can resolve their contractual issues 'like adults' - even though Williams himself said at last weekend's German Grand Prix that nothing would make him relinquish Button's services for next year.

"I'll certainly be able to look him in the eye when I see him in the paddock," explained Button about his relationship with Williams. "We have quite a lot of history together, going back to before 2000, so we need to be adult about it and understand the situation.

"I can understand Williams's situation, but Frank has to understand mine as well. To be competitive next year, any team has to be with a manufacturer that is fully involved. The position has changed a lot with Williams from last year. A racing drivers' career is short, so you have to make the best you can of it."

Button claims that his situation at BAR has changed completely from 12 months ago, when he wanted to leave the team for Williams. His change of heart has come about because of Honda's increased involvement at his current team and the fact that Williams will be losing manufacturer support next year when they switch to Cosworth.

"Honda buying in was a major part of me wanting to stay," added Button. "It shows how serious they are about winning the World Championship. This is a big decision for me. It's not simply that I am changing my mind from year-to-year."