20/10/2004
NEWS STORY
Following the Contract Recognition Board's finding in favour of BAR, it is only a matter of time before the various 'interested parties' begin legal action against those that they feel led them astray.
At this time, the 'villain of the piece', would appear to be Jenson Button's manager John Byfield of Essentially Sport.
In the official statement from WilliamsF1, team boss Frank Williams says: "We took the view that Jenson was a driver worth challenging for, and based on strong legal advice, we have no regrets about making a bid for his services."
It's believed that Williams made his play for Button based on the advice of Button's manager John Byfield, who had allegedly found a loophole in the Englishman's contract. It is highly likely that Williams, who now has to find a driver to line up alongside Mark Webber, will take action against Button and his management. However, since he hopes to recruit Button in 2006, Williams will almost certainly focus his attention purely on Byfield.
Furthermore, having won its case, it is almost certain that BAR also will take action against Byfield, since it was (allegedly) Button's management that went to WilliamsF1 suggesting that Button was available in the first place.
Jenson has suffered a serious blow to his image in recent months, and following today's decision it is highly unlikely that he will wish to retain the services of Byfield and Essentially Sport, even though the company is understood to have a watertight contract.
It's almost certain that now the CRB has reached its decision, and Button's fate settled, several interested parties will begin legal action. We would not want to be in Mr Byfield's loafers, nor those of his partner Russell King.
Watch this space.