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Courtesy ITV.com

BUTTON SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Last Updated: Tuesday, 02, August, 2005, 12:39


Jenson Button has issued a strongly worded rebuttal of allegations that he has behaved improperly in his dealings with Sir Frank Williams.

The Briton released a statement on Monday intended to clarify the sequence of events that has led to the current stalemate over his contractual position for 2006.

The statement began by making it clear that Button told Williams in person that he did not want to drive for him next season.

It read: “Jenson has decided to release this statement as various allegations have been appearing in the media over the past few days casting doubts on his honesty and integrity.”

“Jenson is particularly upset at suggestions that he did not accord Sir Frank Williams the respect due to him by not speaking to him face to face.

“The following factual statements are made to set the record straight: A meeting took place in the Conference Room at Williams' Grove Headquarters at 12 o'clock on Tuesday 12 July 2005.

“This meeting was attended by Jenson personally, together with his Manager, Richard Goddard.

“On the Williams side the meeting was attended by Sir Frank Williams, together with Patrick Head, as well as the Williams chief executive officer Chris Chapple, the Williams technical director Sam Michael, and the Williams in-house lawyer John Healey.

“The meeting lasted about one hour. During the course of the meeting Sir Frank Williams asked Jenson a specific question, ‘From what you are saying it sounds like you don't want to be here next season’.

“To this Jenson replied ‘No, I don't’.

“There is no question of there being any lack of clarity or misunderstanding on this point.”

Button also disputed Williams’ claim that he has changed his mind about where he wants to drive in the space of seven months.

The statement continued: “It has been suggested by Sir Frank Williams that a contract between Jenson and Williams (and there remain outstanding questions as to its validity) was signed seven months ago, which would be in January of this year.

“This is incorrect. There are two documents which are relevant, one dated August 2004, and one dated September 2004.”

Finally, Button claimed he was paid by Williams from 2001-2004 not to enforce a contract entitling him to drive for the Grove-based team.

“Quotes have also been attributed in the media to Sir Frank Williams to say that Williams paid a substantial amount in option money on Jenson in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

“Again, to set the record straight, the facts are as follows: Payments made were not payments made by Williams to retain an option over Jenson's services.

“In fact the payments were quite the opposite. They were payments made by Williams to Jenson in exchange for Jenson agreeing not to enforce a contract which he had entitling him to drive for Williams.”

Do you guys still feel button has no honour???