Theissen discusses Button signing

Jenson Button's move to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team was one of the main topics of conversation during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen talks about the signing and about the Anglo-German partnership's goals for the 2005 season.

Dr Mario Theissen.

Photo by BMW PressClub.

"The Grand Prix at Budapest represented the end of Formula One's three-week summer break. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team has used this break to successfully set the course for the 2005 season. We have succeeded in signing our preferred drivers: From 2005, Mark Webber and Jenson Button will be driving for us."

"Both contracts have been signed over the course of the summer break. We are looking forward to the cooperation with them and are determined to return to our former performance level with our new drivers, new motivation and a new car."

"While the Mark Webber deal has been on our agenda for some time, the chance of signing Jenson Button arose at short notice. The contact between him and our team hasn't ceased since he left us at the end of the 2000 season. However, due to his contractual situation, we had never expected that he would be available for the 2005 season. On the eve of the German Grand Prix, however, the situation suddenly changed."

"Jenson contacted Frank Williams and told him, that he was keen to drive for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, and that his contract offered him the opportunity to do so. WilliamsF1 informed us of this possibility and had the contractual situation examined. The result was the same. Therefore, he signed a deal with WilliamsF1. From my point of view, this is no extraordinary action. Jenson saw his chance of moving to us and made use of the opportunity."

"We have been involved in the negotiations from day one. In both cases, Frank Williams asked us to support his plans and he had our full support concerning both drivers. Therefore, I was rather astonished when I read about alleged differences of opinion within our team. The opposite is the case: In the past twelve months, the cooperation has become closer and better. The entire team is looking forward to the new drivers."

"For clarity, although the BMW WilliamsF1 Team believes Jenson's position to be clear, his existing team, BAR are disputing this. We believe that this matter will be resolved by a legal process and we are confident of the outcome."

"I hope that the discussions about Jenson's move will cease soon. I would be delighted if both Mark Webber and Jenson Button will be at our disposal in time for the winter tests."

-williams-