Jenson could go to Williams early

By Phil Huff (06/08/2004)
August 10 2004

There's currently speculation on some websites that BAR Honda's Jenson Button could end up at Williams this year, well before the end of the season.

The relationship with BAR must surely be soured due the actions of Essentially Sport, Jenson's management company, and will have been further eroded by the fact that Jenson's mobile phone appears to have been turned off.

Neither David Richards or Geoffrey Willis can contact the Englishman, who have been phoning constantly.

Speaking to people at the Brackley headquarters, the atmosphere within BAR is one of stunned disbelief, with some referring to Button by rather course names.

Williams have already used the maximum allocation of four drivers this year, with Montoya, Schumacher, Gene and Pizzonia. However, the FIA recently agreed that Gene's outings fall under 'force majeure', meaning that Williams can now nominate a final fifth driver.

The plot thickens...