Williams will return for Button

13 April 2012

Williams are likely to call on Jenson Button in 2006 despite losing their battle to sign the English driver for next year.

Button had signed a contract with Williams, claiming his previously-agreed deal with BAR was no longer valid due to a loophole.

But Formula One's contract recognition board dismissed that argument and yesterday ordered 24-year-old Button to stay at BAR next season.

However, Williams have not given up the chase and have now set their sights on having Button behind the wheel in 2006.

Team boss Sir Frank Williams suggested the deal he had with Button for 2006 onwards will remain in place, despite the CRB's ruling on his 2005 contract.

Williams said: "Naturally we are disappointed with 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 Williams'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."

Button, too, is still keen to pursue his desire to return to Williams, where he started his Formula One career in 2000.

He said: "Naturally I am disappointed by the ruling, but as a matter of principle, I firmly believe in standing by the decision the CRB have reached.

"BAR have been extremely professional at the race track during this process, and I expect this to continue. I look forward to joining the Williams team in the future." Button will again partner Takuma Sato next season, a major blow for Anthony Davidson's hopes of earning a F1 race seat.

The Hemel Hempstead-born driver was thought to be a near certainty to take over from Button if the CRB allowed him to switch to Williams.

He is now looking at yet another year of testing for BAR unless Jaguar can find new owners.

Davidson is believed to have had a deal to race for Jaguar next season, but with the team put up for sale by parent company Ford that was rendered worthless.

Williams are likely to install Antonio Pizzonia as team-mate to Mark Webber next season after the Brazilian impressed as a stand-in for the injured Ralf Schumacher this year.

The Grove-based team confirmed they would announce Webber's partner "in due course".

The final chequered flag of the 2004 season comes down in Brazil on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the British Grand Prix could still earn a reprieve after F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone restored line of communications with Silverstone's owners.

The future of the race has lurched wildly between salvation and disaster and Ecclestone this week called off negotiations with the British Racing Drivers' Club, who own the circuit.

Any agreement still remains up in the air but it is understood Ecclestone was in contact with the BRDC today, with the owners meeting to discuss the crisis.

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