Button confirms Williams intention

Jenson Button met with BAR team principal David Richards today and confirmed his intention to move to Williams next year. Richards claims that BAR exercised its option on Button for 2005 but the Englishman's management company believes there is a technicality in Button's contract that has given him an option to leave.

Jenson Button.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

BAR was shocked when Williams announced last week that Button has signed for the Grove team for 2005. While the legal debate is ongoing, Button has made his position clear. "David is now in no doubt of my intention to return to BMW Williams in 2005. My contractual position allows for this," he said in a statement, after meeting with Richards.

"I have also clarified that I am not moving for money and my motivation is straightforward determination to win a world championship, determination which I am sure as a competitive person well understands."

"Naturally, the main element of disagreement is whether these ambitions would be better served by Williams or BAR, but I have made my decision."

"I have worked hard and contributed seven podiums and 61 of the team's 76 points this season. Drivers are changing teams up and down the paddock at the moment -- an accepted and fundamental element of our sport -- and I wish that my return to Williams would have been less acrimonious in light of the contribution I have made to BAR this season."

There has been some question as to whether Button's management is right in its interpretation of his contract with BAR. Bernie Ecclestone said there could be grave consequences if the matter is found to be incorrect.

"We have a contracts board in Geneva which will examine the issue and decide what's right and what's wrong, if anything," Ecclestone said, according to the Daily Star. "If Button is found to be in breach of contract with BAR and wants to move on illegally he could lose his super licence and that would mean he couldn't drive for Williams."

There has yet to be any comment from BAR since today's meeting.