Frank Williams exclusive

Let me state clearly and unequivocally that we have a contract with Jenson. It appears that BAR contests this. But there is one fact that is not contestable - Jenson Button wishes and expects to drive for Williams in 2005 and 2006, and he has made this intention clear by signing a contract with us.



A few days before the German Grand Prix we were contacted by Jenson's management. Up to that point it had appeared out of the question. But there has been a form of option between ourselves and Jenson in place since the end of 2000, and that has been sitting with the Contracts Recognition Board since 2002.



I telephoned David five minutes after I knew he had received the fax. He was very disappointed, naturally, that he had received a letter from Jenson's management. It had clearly come as a heck of a shock to him. After the conversation with David, which was conducted in a perfectly reasonable manner, I was disappointed when we learned it was to come out in the press. As a result, we were forced to make an announcement last night. We would like to resolve this amicably but you must remember that we are a racing team and in competition. This is an opportunity, the kind that I have experienced before myself as a team boss. We went for it and I have no regrets.



There was very little discussion about that part of the contract.



Jenson has had a good look at us as a team, and considered our potential and resources, and we hope he believes it is his best path to a world championship. Whether the team of Jenson and Mark is strong enough to beat Ferrari in an unanswerable question. There are other factors, including the car. There is a lot of anger and hard work going on in this company to ensure that our package is more competitive next season.



I always believed that something useful and successful would come along, and this is it.