OCTOBER 20, 2004

Williams and Button speak about the CRB's Decision

Jenson Button will be staying at BAR next season after a ruling by the Contract Recognition Board in favor of the team. But our sources have confirmed that Williams will not be appealing the decision with the board.

Jenson Button will be staying at BAR next season after a ruling by the Contract Recognition Board in favor of the team. But our sources have confirmed that Williams will not be appealing the decision with the board. Nor will Williams have the intention of reaching a financial settlement with BAR under any other legal jurisdiction.

In response to the decision, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "Naturally we are dissapointed 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 also commented, "Naturally I am disappointed by the ruling, but as a matter of principle, I firmly believe in standing by the decision the CRB reached today. BAR have been extremely professional at the race track during this process, and I expect this to continue. I look forward to joining the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in the future."

We do not expect a decision by Williams concerning its 2005 driver line-up right away but stay tuned.