Button silent on future ahead of Hungary test

Jenson Button hopes a maiden grand prix win can make him the centre of attention for all the right reasons in Hungary this weekend.

The Englishman has been at the centre of a growing storm in recent days as Williams and BAR battle for his services next season.

He wants to move to Williams, but BAR are not prepared to let him leave without a fight and claim they are the only team to have a genuine contract with him.

Button refused to elaborate on his situation in a press conference today and simply answered any question about his future with: “I can’t comment on that”.

He has come in for criticism over the way his Williams deal was announced, the 24-year-old refusing to talk to BAR boss David Richards for several days before being issued an abrupt deadline.

Today he tried to deflect interest in his future by claiming he is in position to win his – and BAR’s – first grand prix.

He said: “The atmosphere is okay. It’s fine – we are all here to do a job. I’m looking forward to it actually.

“I think as soon as we get on to the circuit we will be in a position to challenge for a victory. Going to Hockenheim we knew we had a good car. Here it is a bit more of an under-steering circuit, so we have to wait and see. We are all pretty positive we can have a good race.”

The BAR team were shocked by news of Button’s defection, but their star driver insists he still has a good relationship with the mechanics he will be leaving.

“There is a good atmosphere in the garage,” he added. "We are here to do a job. We are here to race and we hope to get the best result of the year for the team and for me. I’ve had a good relationship with the team, everyone included, at BAR.”

Explaining his silence on his Williams move, he said: “I think I have made myself pretty clear already. I don’t think there’s any use going into it again; I am not willing to anyway. It’s a contract matter, and I’m not able to discuss that.

“I’ve enjoyed working with BAR. They’ve been a great team to work for, and I’ve had some very good times.”