Renault denies holding Button to contract


Jenson Button

By Phil Huff
December 4 2002

Despite earlier stories that Renault are blocking British American Racing's attempts at testing new team member Jenson Button, it has now become clear that this is not the case. In a prepared statement, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said "It is true that Jenson is under contract with us up until the end of December, but we have never been asked either by [BAR boss] David Richards or by Jenson's manager, John Byfield to release Jenson from his contract earlier."

Briatore added that he would have been happy to release Button from his agreement for testing work had he been approached.

Given that green light, it's not inconceivable that BAR might call on Button earlier than planned.

The next BAR test will take place on 3-5 December at Jerez. Anthony Davidson and Jacques Villeneuve are scheduled to attend, along with Ralph Firman and Honda
protégé Kosuke Matsuura.

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