The Button battle continues

The ongoing war of words over the services of Jenson Button in 2005 continued today as BAR issued a press release (10 August) stating that "The FIA Contract Recognition Board acknowledged, in writing, that, as of today, the BAR contract with Jenson Button is the only valid contract registered for the 2005 season." It raised the issue that a driver only has the right to drive in F1 if his contract has been lodged with and registered by the CRB, the implication being that unless he drives under his BAR contract in 2005, Button may not have his super license and thereby his right to drive in F1.

Williams responded later the same day with a statement reiterating Jenson's intention to drive for the Grove-based team in 2005 and asserting confidence that his contractual position allows him to do so.

Williams wished to clarify that the Contracts Recognition Board (CRB) is not a constituent element of the FIA, but an independent body set up under the Concorde Agreement between the Formula One teams, the commercial rights holder (FOM) & the FIA and Williams claimed that  BAR’s statement was "misleading". They pointed out that while BAR have registered what they believe to be a valid claim over Jenson Button for 2005, "the CRB have not endorsed
the validity of this claim" rather "they have simply confirmed receipt of BAR’s
documentation."

The interpretation from Williams was that this does not mean BAR's contract is valid, or holds precedence over other contracts with Jenson Button.  Williams' statement said the team has a contract with Jenson Button which was deposited with the CRB in October 22, 2002 and it repeated the opinion that BAR failed in their responsibility to correctly exercise certain option clauses in their contract with Jenson Button, and as such, their contract has expired, and Williams’ contract is valid. 

The final point made by Williams is that the CRB does not in all cases make final adjudication on contractual disputes, and may refer cases to the appropriate legal authorities - which indicates that the matter is likely to be referred to the law, and the resolution of this dispute could be a rather lengthy process.

 


10 Aug 2004 16:00