Williams row with BAR over Button hots up

WILLIAMS have hit back in their escalating row with BAR by accusing their rivals of issuing a “misleading” statement on Jenson Button’s future.

BAR earlier yesterday claimed to have the only binding contract with Button for the 2005 season - a fact they suggested was backed up by Formula One’s contract recognition board.

The board was set up by Formula One bosses to prevent the kind of controversy which embroiled Michael Schumacher’s move to Benetton in 1991 when that team and Jordan claimed to have the German’s signature. The same scenario has been repeated with Button as both BAR and Williams continue to insist they have a legal right to the Englishman’s services for next season. Today’s developments suggest there is no end in sight with Williams rubbishing BAR’s attempts to put an end to the row.