BAR denies Williams deal for Button

There have been suggestions in the British press that BAR is to offer Williams some kind of deal involving Anthony Davidson and a cash incentive to allow BAR to keep Jenson Button, but chief executive Nick Fry has denied that is the case.

Jenson Button.

Photo by xpb.cc.

Button allegedly wants to stay at BAR for 2006 but Williams is adamant it has a contract with him, a reversal of the 2004 situation that saw Button intending to leave BAR for Williams this season.

"No offer has been made and there have been no discussions," Fry told Reuters in regard to BAR test driver Davidson. "I've read a number of stories which have suggested a deal is being put together. That is not the case."

BAR blocked Davidson from testing for Williams last winter but Fry now says the team would not "unreasonably" prevent him from getting a race seat somewhere. Button himself has steadfastly refused to discuss his future but it's well known that both BAR and Williams want him

This time last year Button was convinced that Williams was the team that could offer him the best chance to win the title and despite having to stay with BAR for this season, it was always thought Jenson would head for Williams in 2006.

The latest rumours suggest Button wants to stay at BAR but once again is facing contract wrangles, this time with Williams. Fry hopes the situation will be resolved before too much longer. "I'd say three or four weeks, but we'd prefer it to be sooner," he commented.