Formula One news

BAR's plan to retain Button

BAR is preparing a $9 million bid to keep Jenson Button in the team. The cash would end up in Frank Williams' hands, as the English F1 principal has the contractual right to compel Button, 25, to drive for him next year.

Part of the deal, Britain's 'Mirror' tabloid revealed, would see BAR tester Anthony Davidson offered to Williams for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. "I hope it doesn't go to court," BAR principal Nick Fry said. "Jenson has made it clear to us this is where he wants to be."

Startlingly, Fry said forcing Frome born Button to move to Williams against his will would be 'dangerous', 'foolhardy', and a 'breach of human rights.'

He added: "You do not motivate a driver by waving a contract at them. It is for Frank to decide what he wants to do."

Although publicly defiant, Williams, forced to wait until 2007 for works Toyota power, is likely to accept BAR's offer in order to part-finance the imminent 2006 customer Cosworth V8 deal.

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