11/07/2005
NEWS STORY
Although the matter may be out of its hands, BAR wants Jenson Button to stay in 2006, for a serious assault on the championship.
Under the terms of his contract with the Brackley outfit, it's understood that by the end of August, Jenson Button must have 75% of the World Championship leader's points. Following Silverstone, and with just three races - Germany, Hungary and Turkey - before the deadline, the championship leader is Fernando Alonso on 77 points.
Therefore Button would need to have 58 points by the end of August - he currently has 9 - which would appear to make the matter academic.
Last week, Frank Williams made it clear that he is keen to have the English driver back on board, but BAR hasn't given up hope.
"We are very, very hopeful that Jenson is going to stay with us," team boss Nick Fry told reporters at Silverstone.
"We are not just interested in Jenson's driving talents," he continued, "the fact he can drive is a given. Jenson is valued as a real team member. He has managed to take a real leadership position in the team. This year has been the making of the man, he's someone who's got the management skills, he's got the Michael Schumacher type skills to bring leadership to the team.
"Jenson will be world champion," he added, "there's no doubt in our minds."
Last year, Button was the subject of an amazing tug-of-war between BAR and WilliamsF1, the team which brought him into F1 in 2000. Eventually the decision went in favour of the Brackley team, however, it was always assumed that Button would return to WilliamsF1 in 2006, the English driver having admitted that that is where he wanted to be.
Core to the 2004 contract dispute was Button's demand that BAR should confirm the fact that it would have works Honda engines in 2005, his management later finding a loophole regarding the date on which the engine deal was done. However, at this time, it is not known whose engines WilliamsF1 will be using next season.
"Honda have won 11 world championships and they are determined to win and we will give him the best chance of being Formula One world champion," said Fry. "I have no idea of the details of Jenson's contract with Williams, all we can do is convince him that we are the best place for him to be. If he wants to stay with us for the rest of his career he would be more than welcome."
Referring to rumours linking him with Ferrari, Button said: "It's not an ambition of mine to drive for them or any team that isn't quick enough to give me a car that can challenge for the championship.
"If Ferrari are the sixth or seventh best team next year there is no reason to be with them except for a nice company car," he added. "What difference does it make if you're going to finish fifth or sixth?
"You want to be with the best team, whoever it is. Or the best team you can possibly be with."