In a surprise announcement this week by the BMW Williams F1 team, it was revealed that Jenson Button has signed for the team for the 2005 season and beyond. In our innocence, we thought that Button was quite contented with his lot at the much-improved BAR-Honda team, certainly proving to be a match for the Williams cars this season. Here is the BMW-Williams release:

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today confirmed that Jenson Button has signed for the team for the 2005 season and beyond.

The signing reflects a strong and long-term relationship between Jenson Button and the team and completes the team's driver line-up into the medium term, following the recent signing of Mark Webber.

Frank Williams said, "There has been a long-term relationship between the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and Jenson, indeed his Formula One career started with the team in 2000. We have maintained that relationship until the present day, and I am delighted that one of the most talented drivers in Formula One has accepted the opportunity to return to the team."

For his part, Jenson commented on the agreement that, "I am very pleased that I had the option to re-join the BMW WilliamsF1 Team where my Formula One career started. For the meantime, the 2004 season has my full focus and attention. Beyond this, I have every confidence that the massive investment in resources and the depth of talent at WilliamsF1 and BMW provides the best platform for my future ambitions to be a World Champion."

Button joined the BMW WilliamsF1 Team just after his 20th birthday from British Formula 3, and validated Frank Williams' confidence in his talents by rocking the established order with a string of notable achievements in his debut season. Jenson went on to pursue his Formula One career with Benetton Renault, and more latterly, BAR.

In the space of four short seasons, Jenson has become one of the most sought after Formula One drivers as the team's Director of Engineering, Patrick Head, reflected, "When we signed Jenson in 2000, he was clearly a nascent talent. In the last three seasons, no one can have any doubt that he has now come of age and is one of the sport's leading contenders. In many ways, the challenge is now ours to meet his capabilities, and I have every confidence that the intense investment and re-organisation we have undertaken this year, married with a strong driver pairing, will see a resurgent BMW WilliamsF1 Team next season."

BMW's Director of Motorsport, Mario Theissen, also welcomed the announcement. "Jenson is one of the very best drivers in the paddock, and BMW is delighted that he has trusted our ambition and determination to win World Championships. I have every confidence he will make a significant contribution to our future success."

The story does not end there though. David Richards (BAR boss), released a statement shortly afterwards, refuting the possibility of a move for the British driver. Richards claims that Button's contract with BAR was renewed only a month ago. Here's his take on it:

Following reports yesterday that Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda's lead driver Jenson Button is leaving to join the Williams team in 2005, B.A.R Team Principal David Richards has made the following statement:

"We are absolutely astounded to hear that Jenson thinks that he is leaving B.A.R for Williams next season. Neither myself, nor any other member of the B.A.R team, has been contacted by Jenson to discuss this matter.

Jenson is under contract with B.A.R for 2005, since we took up an option on his services only last month. At no time during the last few months has Jenson expressed anything other than his desire to continue working with B.A.R to achieve our collective goal of winning the World Championship."

Jenson joined B.A.R in 2003 from Renault and has seen his career transformed as a result. During the four and a half seasons of his F1 career he has scored 106 points, of which 78 have been in the last year and a half with B.A.R. In 2004 Jenson took his first F1 podium and he is currently lying third in the drivers' championship.

At the German Grand Prix, 23 July 2004, Honda confirmed its long-term commitment to B.A.R announcing the extension of its existing contract to at least 2007, with an even greater commitment of engineering resources. Its track record of 11 F1 World Championships clearly places them in an outstanding position to provide the resources to take the team and Jenson to the very top.

David continues: “It is our intention to enforce our current contractual position with Jenson. My duty is to the 400-strong workforce which has worked tirelessly over the past two seasons to give Jenson the car he has today; and to our partners, whose unfailing support and commitment to the team has contributed to the solid structure we now have in place.

Unfortunately this is now a matter for the lawyers and I have every confidence that the legal process will confirm that yesterday's announcement has not only been premature but also invalid."

So, what is happening?! Either way, this is a nasty mess that Button could do without as he strives to be the best of the rest (behind Michael Schumacher of course). If he does move, Williams will have a superb line-up, pairing Button with Webber (as reported last week) for 2005. Watch this space.

Shane O' Donoghue - 6 Aug 2004