And more... Surprising moves...
Williams: Button was a Long Term Investment
Thursday August 5th, 2004
Williams see the signing of Jenson Button, announced tonight, a long term investment and the Briton's ties with the team, since his debut in 2000, have never been severed, the team said.
In a statement issued tonight, the team said Button's signing reflects "a strong and long-term relationship" between the team and the Briton. The team did not state the length of Button's new contract, but media reports suggest he was signed for two years, with a further option to the team.
"There has been a long-term relationship between the BMW-WilliamsF1 Team and Jenson," commented team chief 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: "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 Williams team when he was 20 years old, following a successful career at in the British Formula 3. The team had a long-term option on his services, but decided to release him the following year in order to uphold a commitment to Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who was set to join the team in 2001.
"When we signed Jenson in 2000, he was clearly a nascent talent," commented the team's head of engineering, Patrick Head. "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."
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Button Returns to Williams Next Year
Thursday August 5th, 2004
British driver Jenson Button is to join Williams for next season, the Formula One team said tonight.
The 24-year-old will leave his present team BAR at the end of 2004. He currently lies third in the drivers' championship with 61 points this season.
Button made his Formula One debut with Williams, in the 2000 season. He was replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya the following year and, after two seasons with Benetton/Renault, the young Briton moved to BAR-Honda.
The announcement comes as a surprise, as Button has a long-term contract with BAR. However, the rising star has been considered Frank Williams's choice, the team owner frequently speaking highly of Button.
BAR have yet to issue a statement, and it now remains unclear who will drive for the team next year. The Brackley-based outfit has an option on Button's teammate, Japanese Takuma Sato.
Button will pair Australian Mark Webber, who signed a long term deal with Williams last week. The two drivers have worked together in Benetton/Renault, when Webber was the team's test driver in 2001.
Last week, during a promotional tour of South Africa, Button told reporters he rates Webber as the biggest future threat to the World Championship, speaking highly of the Australian's commitment.
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