Dammit, just when I thought Jense was gonna continue to help BAR get regular podium visits, he hits the road. I just hope he's not making a really stupid mistake.

[05/08/04 - 23:59]

Williams confirm Button for 2005
Button delighted to be reunited with Williams





BAR Honda will lose Button's services in 2005

BMW Williams confirmed late Thursday 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.

“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," explained Frank Williams. "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. Button 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.”

E.A.
Source BMW WilliamsF1

 

That Sucks................any word an a replacement?

 

WOW !!!! That caught me by surprise.

I think it could be smart, in the long run Williams is the team with the better future imho.

Maybe Sebastian Bourdais ??

 

Definitely a better funded team w/ deeper talent than BAR. It's just Williams' stupid refusal to get rid of that front end that definitely doesn't work that has them lingering down in 4th place.

 

Just saw an article that said David Richards of BAR is going to fight tooth and nail to retain Jensen under the contract he sez Jense signed to drive through 2005 w/ his team rather than w/ Williams. Apparently there's a clause in the contract permitting Jense out if engines are not definitively going to be provided for by a top mfr. Honda may have taken just a little too long to announce at Germany, their intentions. This should be interesting. I'm pissed at Jense tho b/c I thought he was above all this BS

 

This shakeup is even bigger than predicted. Everyone but Ferrari may end up changing at least one driver!

 

It only gets better! Now Hakkinen is going to talk to David Richards about driving at BAR! Williams "insists" its contract w/ Jense is unequivocal and based on solid legal advice. Williams apparently tried to contact Richards privately but instead, Richards went public to fight his battle through the media. It was only then Williams went public in response. Ohh brother, this is gonna be good (bad?) As for Hakkinen, I've seen enough of the "Monotone Man" to last a lifetime but at least BAR are recruiting top flight drivers now instead of the Genes, Pizzonias, and Baumgartners on the grid.

 

Sounds like Button is trying to pull a fast one. Eventually, BAR will have to let him go, why bother with a guy who doesn't want to be there.

 

Now Bernie E. is saying Jense is going to lose his license if the FIA Contract Committee determines he violated the terms of his contract.

 

Should be fun watching the body language this weekend

 

RB to BAR???? :pray:

 

I'd like to see Mika come back and see what he could do for BAR, the rest has probably done him well.

 

I doubt RB will go anywhere soon. Maybe he's waiting for MS to retire so he can become the #1 driver with Ferrari. Then there's always Rossi from MotoGP that could make it into F1 via Ferrari as a #1 seat.

 

The FIA sure likes to play god don't they!!! But they are the governing body.

 

 

RB will never be #1 at Ferrari, his lot is cast as perennial #2 IMO. Besides, he's really not a superstar that can support the team like an Alonso could f'rinstance. Not so sure I'd wanna see Mika back, while he's undoubtedly a good driver he's got the personality of a paint chip.

 

Mikas personality is weak, but i'd say not much worse than the average F1 pilot.