Williams hit back in Button row

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 today 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.

BAR claimed their stance was backed by the contract recognition board but Williams have hit back by insisting no official position has yet been taken.

A Williams statement read: “BAR’s statement today is misleading. BAR have registered what they believe to be a valid claim over Jenson Button for 2005.

“The contract recognition board 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.

“In the opinion of the BMW-Williams 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 contract recognition board does not, in all cases, make final adjudication on contractual disputes, and may refer cases to the appropriate legal authorities.”

Button started his Formula One career with Williams in 2000 and the Grove-based team were keen to point out they too have a long-term deal lodged with the contract recognition board.

Sir Frank Williams last week would not disclose the details of the deal but his team have used its existence to try and discredit BAR’s position.

Their statement read: “As a matter of record, Williams has a contract with Jenson Button deposited with the contract recognition board in October 22, 2002.

“Receipt of this deposit was also acknowledged by the contract recognition board.”

Button has signed a contract with Williams for 2005 and 2006 but news of that deal angered BAR boss David Richards, who claimed to also have a deal with the Englishman for next year.

The issue appeared to be settled in Button’s favour when the Englishman met Richards on Sunday and left pronouncing himself certain to be driving for Williams in 2005.

Richards did not tell his side of the story at the time and it now appears he has not given up the fight.

Throughout the dispute he has remained steadfast in his belief that BAR are the only team to have a legally-binding contract with Button for next season.

His belief was seemingly vindicated by a BAR statement which announced: “The FIA contract recognition board acknowledged in writing that, as of today, the BAR contract with Jenson Button is the only valid contract registered for the 2005 season.”

However, it now seems likely the dispute will run long after this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix with neither side preparing to give ground.