Statement from BAR Regarding Button Dispute

Following Williams's announcement yesterday that Jenson Button will return to the Grove-based outfit in 2005, BAR-Honda released a statement today, claiming Button is contractually bound to the team next season.

"We are absolutely astounded to hear that Jenson thinks that he is leaving BAR for Williams next season", said BAR Team Principal David Richards. "Neither myself, nor any other member of the BAR team, has been contacted by Jenson to discuss this matter.

"Jenson is under contract with BAR for 2005, since we took up an option on his services only last month. At no time during the last few months has Jenson expressed anything other than his desire to continue working with BAR to achieve our collective goal of winning the World Championship."

The statement further says Button joined BAR in 2003 from Renault and has seen his career transformed as a result. "During the four and a half seasons of his F1 career he has scored 106 points, of which 78 have been in the last year and a half with BAR. In 2004 Jenson took his first F1 podium and he is currently lying third in the drivers' championship," the statement continues.

"At the German Grand Prix, on July 23rd 2004, Honda confirmed their long-term commitment to BAR, announcing the extension of their existing contract to at least 2007, with an even greater commitment of engineering resources. Their track record of 11 F1 World Championships clearly places them in an outstanding position to provide the resources to take the team and Jenson to the very top."

Richards himself further commented: "It is our intention to enforce our current contractual position with Jenson. My duty is to the 400-strong workforce which has worked tirelessly over the past two seasons to give Jenson the car he has today; and to our partners, whose unfailing support and commitment to the team has contributed to the solid structure we now have in place.

"Unfortunately this is now a matter for the lawyers and I have every confidence that the legal process will confirm that yesterday's announcement has not only been premature but also invalid."