21-09-2005, 11:31 AM
WILLIAMS CONFIRMS BUTTON RELEASE
The Williams team has confirmed that it has freed Jenson Button to drive for his team of choice, BAR-Honda, for 2006 and beyond.
Button was contracted to Williams for next year but was adamant that he wanted to race for BAR, triggering a protracted and unseemly dispute which was quickly dubbed ‘Buttongate’.
The two parties appeared to be at a stalemate before Williams acceded to ButtonÂ’s request to be released from his contract in return for substantial compensation.
Williams said in a statement: “As consideration for the release from the terms of his contract, Jenson has agreed a financial settlement with WilliamsF1."
Button was grateful for the co-operation of team owner Frank Williams.
“I would like to thank Frank for accommodating a compromise to what was a binding contract and I regret the difficulties my decision has caused everyone involved,†he said.
“I am glad that we have brought this matter to a conclusion and we can return to what we do best – racing,†added Williams.
No details of the financial settlement between Button and Williams were released, but estimates range from £10 to £20 million.
The compensation, plus the lower salary Williams will pay any of the likely replacements for Button, will boost the teamÂ’s coffers at a time when it has lost the financial backing of engine partner BMW and principal sponsor Hewlett Packard.
The Williams team has confirmed that it has freed Jenson Button to drive for his team of choice, BAR-Honda, for 2006 and beyond.
Button was contracted to Williams for next year but was adamant that he wanted to race for BAR, triggering a protracted and unseemly dispute which was quickly dubbed ‘Buttongate’.
The two parties appeared to be at a stalemate before Williams acceded to ButtonÂ’s request to be released from his contract in return for substantial compensation.
Williams said in a statement: “As consideration for the release from the terms of his contract, Jenson has agreed a financial settlement with WilliamsF1."
Button was grateful for the co-operation of team owner Frank Williams.
“I would like to thank Frank for accommodating a compromise to what was a binding contract and I regret the difficulties my decision has caused everyone involved,†he said.
“I am glad that we have brought this matter to a conclusion and we can return to what we do best – racing,†added Williams.
No details of the financial settlement between Button and Williams were released, but estimates range from £10 to £20 million.
The compensation, plus the lower salary Williams will pay any of the likely replacements for Button, will boost the teamÂ’s coffers at a time when it has lost the financial backing of engine partner BMW and principal sponsor Hewlett Packard.
![[Image: qubranch_sig.gif]](http://www.globalbuzz-sa.com/forums/images/sig/qubranch_sig.gif)