BAR contract dispute puts the brakes on Button’s move to Williams
The 24-year-old signed for Frank Williams on Thursday night but his current team claim he is contracted to them beyond the end of the season.
Button’s management company Essentially Sport have been ordered to arrange a meeting between the driver and BAR executives by Monday or face legal action.
“We have complete confidence in the strength of our contractual rights and in the option that we have exercised for 2005,” said BAR boss David Richards
Richards claims Button has a binding contract with the team after an option to retain his services was taken by board members.
“The option was approved at a board meeting of BAR on July 20,” he added.
“Jenson and his management team were informed of this in writing well before the end of the option period on July 31, a fact acknowledged by Essentially Sport.”
However, Button has disputed that the option was taken, meaning he could leave for another team.
And he has announced he will return to the team which gave him his first chance in F1.
Richards added: “We have been trying to talk to Jenson for days. He has a clear duty to all of those who’ve worked with him for the last two years to explain to them what is going on.”
Button maintained last night he has no doubt who he will drive for next season.
“I’m not a legal expert but from the information I have I’m able to race for Williams next year,” he said.
“My main aim is to be champion and I want to challenge Michael Schumacher in the next few years. To do that Williams is the best team.
“The resources at BMW are far greater than most teams on the grid and I know how they work.”
The former Benetton driver admits the remainder of the season could be awkward but claims he has enjoyed progressing at his current team.
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