SEPTEMBER 6, 2004

Button defends himself

Jenson Button has remained silent about his decision to switch from BAR-Honda to BMW Williams next year but he has clearly been unhappy with some of the media coverage he has been receiving and has now set the record straight indicating that "contractually we had some differences. That was at the end of 2003 and it hasn't been resolved." BAR sources say that the dispute over bonuses has been settled and that the team has paid up. This may be true but the team has also reserved the right to take legal action at the end of the contract to recoup that money, if it chooses to do so.

Button says that any claims that he is switching for money are wrong.

"Money is not my aim in Formula 1," he said. "My reason for moving to Williams is to be World Champion. We had an agreement to be with BAR for two years, I honoured that agreement and I think I did a good job. I think that Williams in future is the team to be with. They've got the resources and Mark Webber and myself will be a great team. A Formula 1 driver's career has to keep moving. I don't think BAR is going to be the right place to be next year."

Button's remarks are not likely to make him any friends at BAR-Honda and coincide with Williams sending Jenson's contract to the Contract Recognition Board. BAR-Honda could, in theory, win that dispute but the point Button may have been making is that he is not the man they want in 2005 and 2006 as his heart is set for a drive with Williams.