Williams Debunk BAR's CRB Support Claims

The Williams team have shot down BAR's statement from earlier today, that the Contract Recognition Board has validated the team's claims to having the only valid contract with Jenson Button for 2005.

"In relation to the statement issued by BAR, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team reiterate it is Jenson's intention to drive for the team in 2005, and that his contractual position provides for this," Williams said.

The Grove-based team further clarified the situation, stating as follows:

The Contracts Recognition Board (CRB) is not a constituent element of the FIA, but an independent body set up under the Concorde Agreement between the Formula One teams, the commercial rights holder (FOM) & the FIA. It is therefore wholly incorrect to refer or indicate that the decisions made by the CRB are an endorsement of a legal position by the FIA.

BAR's statement today is misleading. BAR have registered what they believe to be a valid claim over Jenson Button for 2005. The CRB have not endorsed the validity of this claim, but have simply confirmed receipt of BAR's documentation.

This does not mean that their contract is valid, or holds precedence over other contracts with Jenson Button.

As a matter of record, WilliamsF1 has a contract with Jenson Button deposited with the CRB in October 22, 2002. Receipt of this deposit was also acknowledged by the CRB.

In the opinion of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, BAR have failed in their responsibility to correctly exercise certain option clauses in their contract with Jenson Button, and as such, their contract has expired, and Williams' contract is valid.

The CRB does not, in all cases, make final adjudication on contractual disputes, and may refer cases to the appropriate legal authorities.

In closing their statement, Williams criticised BAR's handling of the media and stated that "The BMW WilliamsF1 Team has a commitment to correctly represent the outcome of this process to the media as and when a conclusion is reached."