JB - Richards told press too much

Williams announced last Thursday that Button had signed a two-year deal with the team from 2005. Richards hit back, though, and insisted BAR had taken up its option on the Briton and that he would in fact be staying with them in 2005.

Frank Williams was keen to keep Button's decision quiet, but he was forced to go public after learning that Richards was planning to leak the story to a newspaper the following day.

"It was most unfortunate that the whole episode was dragged into the public arena against our wishes," Williams told Autosport magazine, "but David obviously has to fight his corner and will fight it with everything available to him."

The incident generated hundreds of column inches with Richards quick to claim that he could not get hold of Button to speak to him and he insisted he would not back down on his bid to keep him. Button, though, believes Richards said too much to the media.

"There has been a little too much said in the press, definitely," Button told Autosport. "I don't think there was any reason to sound off too much about it. David's said a lot really, which to me was unnecessary. But it's happened now, so that's it."

The issue is now with the FIA-recognised contracts recognition board in Switzerland who will determine which team has the valid contract with Button. Should either team not be happy with the verdict then it will go the courts.