By Phil Huff (20/10/2004)
October 21 2004

After months of doubt and speculation, Lucky Strike BAR Honda have finally won their legal battle with Williams over the services of Jenson Button. On 6 August this year, Jenson Button announced his decision to leave BAR and return to the team that gave him his F1 break, Williams F1, despite having already signed an extension with BAR through to 2006.

Four days later Honda Racing confirmed that "We told him that we were committed to providing engines for BAR and no other team," closing the door on one exit clause in the contract.

Another issue is one of bonus payments, first covered here over a year ago. It is believed that BAR resolved this matter recently, without accepting any liability.

The entire issue came to a head on Saturday, with the Contracts Recognition Board meeting in Milan to discuss the case and rule in one parties favour. The discussion seemingly revolved around the exact wording of the contract versus the intended meaning of the contract.

The difference can be minute, but significant. At about 6pm today the CRB reached their decision and privately informed the teams, who will then make their own thoughts public shortly.

Jenson could still be on the move, but Williams will now need to pay a multi-million dollar compensation package to BAR to buy his services. However, David Richards has said that no amount of money could take Jenson away from BAR.