20 October: Following
several days hearing arguments from both BAR and Williams in
Milan, the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) has ruled today that the
contract between BAR and Jenson Button is the valid one.
Naturally the BAR team was delighted with the decision. Team boss David
Richards said "I'm delighted to confirm that we just received the
official notification that the CRB have ruled in our favour."
Sir Frank Williams and Jenson Button were both
disappointed with the decision but will stand by it and will not take any
further legal action. Both Williams and Button however made it clear that
they intend to work together in the future.
Sir Frank Williams said "Naturally we are disappointed with the CRB's
conclusion. We took the view that Jenson was a driver worth challenging for,
and based on strong legal advice we have no regrets about making a bid for
his services.
The CRB accepted a significant number of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's
arguments, but nevertheless found against us.
We do not believe any further legal action in relation to this matter to be
in the broader interests of the sport.
In spite of the CRB's conclusion, which relates to 2005, we will maintain
our close relationship with Jenson for 2006."
Jenson Button said "Naturally I am disappointed
but as a matter of principle I firmly believe in standing by the decision.
BAR have been extremely professional at the race track during this process,
and I expect this to continue. I look forward to joining the Williams team
in the future."
The decision means that Williams will have to find another driver to
partner Mark Webber in 2005. Antonio Pizzonia is a candidate following his
good form while standing in for Ralf Schumacher this year however he and
Mark were team-mates at Jaguar and that could impact the decision.
Anthony Davidson has been impressive in Friday testing for BAR and he may be
a candidate. There is even speculation that Williams may try to secure the
services of Giancarlo Fisichella even though he already signed for Renault
next year.
Related Stories:
Contract Recognition Board validates BAR's contract with Button ... Full
Story(20 October) Contract Recognition Board delays decision on Button until the 16th of
October ... Full
Story(22 September) BAR receive acknowledgement on Button's contract from the
CRB and Williams counter! ... Full
Story(10 August) Button reaffirms his intentions to move to
Williams following his meeting with Richards ... Full
Story(8 August)
BAR issues Button deadline ... Full
Story(6 August)
Jenson Button returns to Williams BMW
in 2005 but BAR dispute the move ... Full
Story(5 August)
