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Button Must Stay With BAR!

Written by Josh Katinger · October 20, 2004

The FIA’s Contract Recognition Board (CRB) finally got around to deciding whether or not Jenson Button is contractually allowed to go drive for Williams next season. In short, the answer was - NO!


A quote from team boss David Richards on the BAR web site confirms the decision:

“I am delighted to confirm that we have just received the official notification that the CRB has ruled in our favour.”

SpeedTV.com: BAR Wins Button Contract Dispute
RPM.ESPN: Button hopes to join Williams some day
PlanetF1.com: Williams and Jenson ‘disappointed’ but accept defeat
GrandPrix.com: The Button saga

So the new question is; is there any other way Frank can get Button in 2005? Sure - BIG PAYOFF to BAR. Knowing Williams, that just won’t happen. Frank Williams is not one known for paying high driver salaries, let alone having to pay-off another team to get a particular driver.

The common speculation revolves around Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia taking the race seat and partnering with Mark Webber next season. Williams will just have to wait until Button’s contact expires, FOR REAL this time, in 2006.

So where does Jenson go from here? Does he have some credibility rebuilding to do at BAR and with David Richards? Based on how they were acting in Japan (all smiles) their interpersonal relationship doesn’t look too strained. And honestly, I dont’ get why Jense feels that Williams is the better place to be as his preformance in the BAR this year has far outweighed that of any Williams driver (and there have been plenty of them).

In the long run I think BAR is a viable contender in F1 and, while Jenson may not be happy about being stuck with them now, if they keep going on their current path I think he’ll re-sign with them before he goes to Williams in the future.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Button Must Stay With BAR!”

  1. Muddy Teeth on October 21st, 2004 7:07 am

    Allow me to be the first to say “wow!”

  2. Josh on October 21st, 2004 7:14 am

    How long before Button fires his manager?

  3. George on October 21st, 2004 6:04 pm

    Now we’ll find out if there is any credibility to Jenson’s claim that he’ll sit out ‘05 rather than drive for BAR. Not likely, would be my guess.

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