Button Signs for BMW WilliamsF1 Team

[Zmeagol]

Looks like BMW might have a better season next year!

Tim

Button Signs for BMW WilliamsF1 Team
Oxford, 6 August 2004. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today confirmed that Jenson Button has signed for the team for the 2005 season and beyond.
The signing reflects a strong and long-term relationship between Jenson Button and the team and completes the team's driver line-up into the medium term, following the recent signing of Mark Webber.

Frank Williams said, "There has been a long-term relationship between the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and Jenson, indeed his Formula One career started with the team in 2000. We have maintained that relationship until the present day, and I am delighted that one of the most talented drivers in Formula One has accepted the opportunity to return to the team."

For his part, Jenson commented on the agreement that, "I am very pleased that I had the option to re-join the BMW WilliamsF1 Team where my Formula One career started. For the meantime, the 2004 season has my full focus and attention. Beyond this, I have every confidence that the massive investment in resources and the depth of talent at WilliamsF1 and BMW provides the best platform for my future ambitions to be a World Champion."

Button joined the BMW WilliamsF1 Team just after his 20th birthday from British Formula 3, and validated Frank Williams' confidence in his talents by rocking the established order with a string of notable achievements in his debut season. Jenson went on to pursue his Formula One career with Benetton Renault, and more latterly, BAR.

In the space of four short seasons, Jenson has become one of the most sought after Formula One drivers as the team's Director of Engineering, Patrick Head, reflected, "When we signed Jenson in 2000, he was clearly a nascent talent. In the last three seasons, no-one can have any doubt that he has now come of age and is one of the sport's leading contenders. In many ways, the challenge is now ours to meet his capabilities, and I have every confidence that the intense investment and re-organisation we have undertaken this year, married with a strong driver pairing, will see a resurgent BMW WilliamsF1 Team next season."

BMW's Director of Motorsport, Mario Theissen, also welcomed the announcement. "Jenson is one of the very best drivers in the paddock, and BMW is delighted that he has trusted our ambition and determination to win World Championships. I have every confidence he will make a significant contribution to our future success."

[Simmer]

£16m for two years, even if he won't be outright no 1......NO contest

we'll now see how good he really is up against a supposedly good team mate in Webber, at least I might be able to get out my BMW Williams T-shirts finally

[Big Mr P]

I have a feeling BAR will not be to happy about this

but who cares, a Brit in a BMW, that's certainly something to cheer about.

[M Blur]

Too right.. it'll be nice to not be the only one sounding my hooter when a BMW goes past...

[Neal(2.8Roadster)]

Just heard on the radio that there are some contractual problems and BAR are contesting the move

[DavidO]

There probably won't be any real contractual problems. The contracts will have been trawled through by the lawyers before the announcement was made.
However, there will be some serious sabre rattling as it appears that Dave Richards knew nothing of this and hasn't been able to make contact with JB.
Personally, I think JB may have made a mistake. He is outright No 1 at BAR, the car package is improving all the time (built around JB) and is close to being the best of the rest. Also, I would have confidence in any organisation run by Dave Richards, and I would have stuck it out for next year. But I guess JB and his management team know something we don't.

[M Blur]

I've big respect for Dave R but Frank W is one of the greatest pit bosses of recent times...and it's easy to forget that after 1 bad season.. BAR have just hit the apex.. things came right for them but doesn't mean it will be repeated next season.

Williams have the bigger budget (non-tobacco) more experience, more support and ultimately one of the best engine makers in the world.

JB wil still be lead driver and Webber and grateful second.. Frank doesn't run team orders but I don't think there will be any misunderstanding.

Let us not forget Button is an ex-Williams test and race driver.. he'll fit like a glove.

+ 2 of the nicest guys in the sport right now.. whereas Buttom right now has to check Sato hasn't over cooked his braking zone again or cut a line.. Sato could be great, very talented but he's spoiling Button's season and wont be giving the same level of feedback an experienced driver woudl be right now and that's why the car is so built around JB but long-term that doesn't do a lot of good.

[Big Mr P]

M Blur,

my Hamann may be heavy, in your opinion, but for once I totally agree with all you have said.

long live BMW and go get um Jenson.

Lets hope this partnership last for years.

[Bloke]

But to be honest, whilst Michael Schumacher is around, nobody is going to win anything are they!!!






Bloke

[spokey]

But to be honest, whilst Michael Schumacher is around, nobody is going to win anything are they!!!

True.

[Linton]

If you are only interested in who wins, don't bother watching F1.
The race for second has been pretty good lately !

[spokey]

If you are only interested in who wins, don't bother watching F1.
The race for second has been pretty good lately !

I don't suppose your nickname is "Kwesi", is it? (From the obscure reggae jokes department...)

[johnmckenzie]

I hope he has made the right move - he's proven he's a very talented driver. If Williams get their car sorted for next year (And there's every possibility they will) then the team could be mighty strong. JPM, whilst vastly enjoyable to watch, has always been just a touch disappointing to me - he promised so much more than he's delivered. And Ralf, well......

I hope BAR manage to replace Jenson with someone else talented too. It would be a shame for a team making such good progress to fall back because they couldn't get the right driver.

[stu]

Can't wait to see JB behind the propellor again.

[stu]

Can't wait to see JB behind the propellor again.

[stu]

Can't wait to see JB behind the propellor again.

['MC' MarkC]

Can't wait to see JB behind the propellor again.

So excited, you said it 3 times.

[M Blur]

M Blur,

my Hamann may be heavy, in your opinion, but for once I totally agree with all you have said.

long live BMW and go get um Jenson.

Lets hope this partnership last for years.

Nah man - I dig your Hamman kit brother.. just wouldn't work on M 8LUR given the direction I've taken it.. nice to be different isn't it.

I hope BAR let go.. Button performs and shows the speed.. if BMW stick in and Willaims get it together then we may see some racing..

[M Blur]

But to be honest, whilst Michael Schumacher is around, nobody is going to win anything are they!!!

True.

Ever-a-ting cha-n-ges man..

Whether it's JB or not.. someone will come along.. but inevitably Ferrari will fall back or deisgn a bad car or Williams or Macca somes up with something new.. it's a cycle.. Ferrari wont be top for ever but as old Murray says.. revel in this time.. we're seeing one of F1s greatest drivers at his best... we were there.. when he's gone we will miss him.

[DavidO]

we're seeing one of F1s greatest drivers at his best... we were there.. when he's gone we will miss him.

Agreed!!

To all those who consider that F1 is boring because Shumacher is winning so frequently, I say:

Never mind whether it is motor racing, football, golf, or b****y wood carving. I find no pastime more enjoyable to watch than when I am watching the absolute master of that craft going about his business.

[Bloke]

I never accused F1 of being boring this year, I just said no one else is going to win this year as the package of Ferarri and Schumacher is way and above all others out there at the moment!!
I never said I didnt admire him , in fact the opposite, he is the best formula 1 Driver of our time, he has the ability to drive fast when needed and above all remain so down to earth, every time he wins is like the first time for him. I was in no way criticiseing him, or calling formula1 boring, quite the opposite this year, there have been much closer racing this year, even thought he has one 10/11.

Rant over as everyone always says!!

Bloke

[stu]

Senna at Donnington in the underpiowered McLaren?

Schumi is good, but he never really got wheel to wheel with Ayrton did he? We've all seen Schumi rattled (literally in Monaco) and whilst I don't doubt his own ability, I'm still hold reservations of how together he'd be under serious pressure.

Driver and car changes are always good, gives you something to talk about in the pub in the closed season anyway

[DavidO]

Senna at Donnington in the underpiowered McLaren?

And in the pouring rain to boot.........5th into 1st corner, 1st the next time round. A moment to remember indeed

[JohnM]

Well, obviously, Ferrari have the best overall package at the moment - that includes management and strategists.

There is no doubt that Rubens should be doing better with the same equipment but he is often put on a different strategy than Schumi.

I'm not convinced that M. Schumacher is that great under pressure.

Back on-topic.... it will be good to see where Button ends up next year (on the grid). BMW Williams have more resources at their disposal but I wouldn't bet against Dave Richards and Honda making significant progress either. Williams have had an average car this year - Jense would have been challenging for the win last time out if he had not been demoted ten places.

Talking of which, I'd like to see the ten place demotion rule for an engine change taken out. A better way IMHO would be to deduct world champ points (for the constructor) after the race has finished. At least let the races run on merit.

John.

[M Blur]

Senna at Donnington in the underpiowered McLaren?

Schumi is good, but he never really got wheel to wheel with Ayrton did he? We've all seen Schumi rattled (literally in Monaco) and whilst I don't doubt his own ability, I'm still hold reservations of how together he'd be under serious pressure.

You firget the last race of last season.. remember where Schuey was on the grid and where Kimi was.. MS had to get 6th.. and he did it in a dogged fashion even though it was clear the Ferrari was slow that day.. rermber his scarp with Hill for the title.. yes he was aggressive but Hill had the quicker car that year.

Far from it.. Schuey was already in ascendency during Sienna's time and at his tragic demise at Imola. MS was already beign tipped as 'the next Sienna'.. Sienna still had years at the top left in him tho which brought forward MS's time.. naturally MS's time is now.. he's fit and most experienced driver now out there so I see no mystery on why he's beating younger less experienced drivers. Yes the Ferrari is superb and the team makes all the difference but MS is still the greates F1 driver we are likely to see in our lifetime.. up there with Lauda, Prost, Sienna and Hakkinen.

I'd actually say we see the best of Schuey when he IS under pressure.. and then his skills really shine and we have seen it countless times b4.. vs. Mansell, Hill, and the all conquering Macca Silver Arrows of the late 90's. I love it when he scraps with JPM.

Now we see him rise up against the challenges of JPM, Alonso and JB.. and let's not forget that the Ferrari hasn't been the fastest car at every circuit this season and we can see how Schuey extracts extra seconds out of a car that doesn't have that speed.. he can drive to the ragged to find the extra time.

But time has a funny way of jading drivers and in time he will lose.. when it he does it will be when he's lost the desire to win or the skills of the new breed rise up to compete and surpass.. F1 is a young man's sport and there's not much MS can do about that..

I wouldn't say F1 can be that boring with such emotive responses..

[good thread]

[spokey]

Yes the Ferrari is superb and the team makes all the difference but MS is still the greates F1 driver we are likely to see in our lifetime.. up there with Lauda, Prost, Sienna and Hakkinen.

Who's this Hakkinen guy, and why are you even putting him in the same category as these drivers?

[M Blur]

Yes the Ferrari is superb and the team makes all the difference but MS is still the greates F1 driver we are likely to see in our lifetime.. up there with Lauda, Prost, Sienna and Hakkinen.

Who's this Hakkinen guy, and why are you even putting him in the same category as these drivers?

]

Because I genuinely feel the iceman was one of the best drivers we have seen in F1 durring Schuey's reign.. despite him cutting his career short. AS drivers go he probably gave Schuey the most to think about at the time.. more than Sienna, more than Mansell,, more than Hill.

I also forgot to mention Giles Villenuve (a bit b4 my time) and Piquet... apologies.

[spokey]

Because I genuinely feel the iceman was one of the best drivers we have seen in F1 durring Schuey's reign.. despite him cutting his career short. AS drivers go he probably gave Schuey the most to think about at the time.. more than Sienna, more than Mansell,, more than Hill.

We can agree to disagree, I think.

[M Blur]

Because I genuinely feel the iceman was one of the best drivers we have seen in F1 durring Schuey's reign.. despite him cutting his career short. AS drivers go he probably gave Schuey the most to think about at the time.. more than Sienna, more than Mansell,, more than Hill.

We can agree to disagree, I think.

Nicer to disagree than agree anyway eh Spokey.. my sentiments exactly..

[stu]

So a torque limiting device has been detected after Hockenheim and the team have been penalised.

Explains a few things eh?

Hakinen was ace in all formula and outqualified Senna in the same car - not sure how many times. He's not a bad one for me. At least he doesn't sound like he's crying (KR )!

Schumacher was beaten by Brundle et al in F3 so what makes him so different now?

We all seem to be forgetting about the Michelin/Bridgestoen thing too!

All together in a kart at Monaco, loads of F1 drivers strut their stuff (very impressively) and that's where you'll see the difference, when they swap machinery and do loads of heats to see who's got it. MS?

Back to Donnington, anyone remember how many pit stops the prof made in the Williams?

[DavidO]

All together in a kart at Monaco, loads of F1 drivers strut their stuff (very impressively) and that's where you'll see the difference, when they swap machinery and do loads of heats to see who's got it. MS?

Watched a celebrity Kart race many years ago (MS at Benneton). Lots of F1 driving ex kart champs like Prost, Herbert, et al.

One design karts for all

MS not only won.....he was the only driver on the lead lap when he did so!!

p.s. Hakkinnen to BAR??. Potentially bad idea but good for F1 if it worked out

[M Blur]

All together in a kart at Monaco, loads of F1 drivers strut their stuff (very impressively) and that's where you'll see the difference, when they swap machinery and do loads of heats to see who's got it. MS?

Watched a celebrity Kart race many years ago (MS at Benneton). Lots of F1 driving ex kart champs like Prost, Herbert, et al.

One design karts for all

MS not only won.....he was the only driver on the lead lap when he did so!!

p.s. Hakkinnen to BAR??. Potentially bad idea but good for F1 if it worked out

We also have to remember that drivers mature at different stages.. there's no doubting Schuey elevated his skills when he moved to F1.. different drivers suit different cars.. look at Tiff and Derek Bell.. neither top flyte F1 drivers but boy they can make GT cars go and drive them all day long and fast.. some drivers seem to suit cars that are not perfect (i.e. tin tops) while others excel in carts.

I recall Senna blew the F1 field apart in a pro Merc race years ago.. when he was just starting out and F1 was still very much in the hands of the likes of Piqet and Prost.

After Schuey and excluding some of the young guns coming through I'd have to say Hakinen has impressed me most in the last 10 years.. excellent temperament and great wet driver (as good as Schuey if not better)..

[DavidO]

great wet driver (as good as Schuey if not better)

Hmm, since we keep momentarily lapsing down Memory Lane:

Remember Spa a few years back in the pouring rain. MS held off Damon Hill for 5 laps or more........and MS was on slicks!!

[M Blur]

great wet driver (as good as Schuey if not better)

Hmm, since we keep momentarily lapsing down Memory Lane:

Remember Spa a few years back in the pouring rain. MS held off Damon Hill for 5 laps or more........and MS was on slicks!!

Sure but I also recall Mika beating MS fair and square in the wet on more than one occassion.. never said MS was a bad wet driver.. far from it he's probably one of the best ever.. just MK was better for that period in the l8 90's. Of course years have nw passed and you'd expect MS to be better now that if Hakkinen cam back purely on changes in track layout, tyre compunds and additonal tracks. not to mention the additonal experience MS has picked up..

What impresses me most about MS is how he learns from every mistake, every loss and doesn't get into ruts but instead tries harder.. you really are preaching to the converted..

[DavidO]

you really are preaching to the converted

I know. But once a preacher, always a preacher

[M Blur]

you really are preaching to the converted

I know. But once a preacher, always a preacher

aye - fair enough m8.. you're talking to someone who carries around his own soap box 2..

[Giles]

you're talking to someone who carries around his own soap box 2..

Soap Box?? Make that a dirty great crate, reinforced for heavy duty situations!!

[M Blur]

you're talking to someone who carries around his own soap box 2..

Soap Box?? Make that a dirty great crate, reinforced for heavy duty situations!!

aye fair do's CSL boy.. get ye to a track...

[stu]