By Phil Huff
July 29 2005

WilliamsF1 have rejected the offer of Honda engines, first revealed here at BAR-Talk.com, in return for Jenson Button, leaving BAR Honda desperate to find other means of securing the services of Jenson Button for 2006. It is understood that Williams have now signed a deal for a Cosworth engine supply through 2006, with an option to extend that further during the season.

Jenson's contract with BAR allows the Englishman to leave the team at the end of this season, as the team have failed to provide a car that allows him to score 70% of the championship leaders points.

Williams also have a contract with Button, and one that appears to be watertight. This could force Button to move to Williams, regardless of the other options available.

Frank Williams for one isn't keen to allow Jenson to remain at BAR, saying "We have an existing contract for Jenson, with him for '06, and we fully expect him to arrive at Williams at the due period of time. There is nothing that will change that."

BAR Honda's team boss Nick Fry has made no secret of his desire to keep hold of Jenson, regarding the Englishman as a solid part of the teams future, going so far as to promise a World Championship to the driver should he remain with the team.

"We've made it very clear that we'd like Jenson to stay with us and that's an open-ended offer," said Fry. "Jenson knows he can end his career with this team but the decision is his and we need him to make it quickly for everybody's sake."

With the Honda engine offer rejected, whereby BAR Honda offered Williams a supply of Honda engines for 2006 in return for Button, BAR's options appear to be running out, and the situation appears to be heading closer to the law courts.

Under European law, Jenson cannot be forced to drive at Williams if he doesn't wish to. However, Williams could prevent the driver from racing at any competitor, unless an agreement is reached. Any agreement is likely to be for many millions of pounds, but almost certainly within what BAR and Honda are prepared to pay.