The issue as to the validity of Jenson Button's contract for 2005 should be decided before next month's Italian GP, says BAR boss David Richards.

At yesterday's press conference, Button refused to give any indication as to what was happening or why he had decided to move on, brushing every question aside with a firm "no comment".

However, talking to reporters at the Hungaroring today, David Richards said that the issue should be resolved before the F1 'circus' arrives in Monza.

"I expect it to be between Spa and Monza," he said, when asked how long before the matter is resolved.

Of course that's assuming that the FIA's Contract Recognition Board (CRB) comes to an acceptable decision, if not, the matter goes before the English law courts.

Despite intense media speculation as to the atmosphere within the team, following Button's decision to leave, Richards insists that everyone is acting professionally and getting on with the business in hand.

"This weekend what we've agreed, and there has been an awful lot said in the press over the last few days from Jenson and the team, we are going to dump it down," he said. "This weekend it is about racing and the whole situation is in front of the CRB. It will be resolved in due course and then after that we can reflect on it.

"Now, while tensions are high and emotions are high, it is best to forget about these issues and just get on with the racing. Motor racing is the objective of this weekend."