BMW WilliamsF1 Team Acknowledges CRB Verdict

Oxford, October 20, 2004. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today acknowledged the verdict delivered by the Contract Recognitions Board (CRB) that Jenson Button is legally bound to BAR for the 2005 season.
The team also confirmed that it would not seek to challenge the judgement under any other legal jurisdiction.

In response to the verdict, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank 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 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 commented, "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 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."

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team will make a further announcement concerning its 2005 driver line-up in due course.

Coutesy of BMW NA

Now, with Webber and Pizzonia (sp?) lined up for Williams in '05, which would 'get the boot' for the '06 season if Button goes to Williams? Seeing as Button's contract expires in '05, and both he and Williams want to drive together, I believe he will go.

Also, will be interesting to see how Pizzonia and Webber get along - the comemtators today mentioned how the two used to drive together, and now don't get along...

Button and Williams got OWNED.

Now, with Webber and Pizzonia (sp?) lined up for Williams in '05, which would 'get the boot' for the '06 season if Button goes to Williams? Seeing as Button's contract expires in '05, and both he and Williams want to drive together, I believe he will go.

Also, will be interesting to see how Pizzonia and Webber get along - the comemtators today mentioned how the two used to drive together, and now don't get along...

Webber is clearly the one they would keep at the moment. However it remains to be seen if he can perform the way Williams expects him to in '05.

Webber is clearly the one they would keep at the moment. However it remains to be seen if he can perform the way Williams expects him to in '05. Webber shoudl preform jsut fine as long as his team mate doesnt taek him out of races

Webber shoudl preform jsut fine as long as his team mate doesnt taek him out of races

:lol I saw that, although I couldn't believe it actually happened.

:lol I saw that, although I couldn't believe it actually happened. It wasnt the first time team mates have driven like morons this year tho. How may times did Ralf and Montoya get togther durning a race this year

Webber is clearly the one they would keep at the moment. However it remains to be seen if he can perform the way Williams expects him to in '05.

I wouldn't be so sure. Pizzonia is obviously a very technical driver and knows how to mesh with the engineers very well due to his test driver status. And furthermore I don't think that Webber is anything to get very excited over. I think he will get the boot and then we will see our next world champ (Button) come into the limelight. Button had an awesome season and can obviously run up front consistently. Yeah sure Jaguar sucks, but where was BAR last year?

I believe in Webber's talent more than I do Pizzonia's...that is if Coulthard isn't offered Pizzonia's drive.

The second seat is till up for grabs, Pizzonia's is just one of many potential candidates.

I'm not too excited about Webber. I just don't think he is as good as everyone keeps saying he is. I'm not sure how Coulthard would fair at Williams. I think he should just go ahead and retire. Pizzonia gets my vote for the 2nd seat. I don't see Williams being big at all in '05. I think it will be close between Ferrari and McClaren, with BAR coming in a close 3rd.

I suspect Toyota will gain some much needed ground next year, possibly comparable to BAR's '04 season.

I suspect Toyota will gain some much needed ground next year, possibly comparable to BAR's '04 season.

Wow that is a tall order. BAR had a fantastic year due to many reasons I dont know, but I do know Sato and Button are two guys to watch in the coming years. Both are great drivers who are just beginning to come into their prime. Toyota needs a few more years at least to be a podium team.

Toyota has the money and now, the drivers that can provide much more feedback on the car. BAR scored 26 points in '03 and only 7 in '02. So I'm not in the position to underestimate Toyota just yet.

man i can't wait for the new season too bad it's a while away :( but i really wanted to see Button on Williams for 05' too bad

Toyota has the money and now, the drivers that can provide much more feedback on the car. BAR scored 26 points in '03 and only 7 in '02. So I'm not in the position to underestimate Toyota just yet.

I agree. Honda just took a larger ownership stake also which means they will be placing more emphasis on F1. Toyota will continue to progress along with Honda probably at the expense of Jaguar and McLaren.