Buttongate II concludes?!?!?!

[^^v]

[21/09/05 - 13:37]

Statement from Williams on Jenson Button
A financial settlement reached...






Zoom
The Button issue is now resolved for Williams
WilliamsF1 today confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Jenson Button to release him from his contractual commitment to the team for 2006 and beyond.

As consideration for the release from the terms of his contract, Button has agreed a financial settlement with WilliamsF1.

Button acknowledged the binding terms of his contract with WilliamsF1 and appreciated the efforts that had been made to find a resolution. “I would like to thank Frank for accommodating a compromise to what was a binding contract and I regret the difficulties my decision has caused everyone involved," said Button.

Frank Williams wished Jenson well in the future and said, “I am glad that we have brought this matter to a conclusion and we can return to what we do best – racing.”

The team has not yet announced who will drive for the team alongside Mark Webber next year.

E.A.
Source WilliamsF1

[^^v]

poor bloke... hope he stays in f1 n finds a drive in the future...

[21/09/05 - 16:54]

Sato unsurprised by BAR announcement
Keeping his own views and opinions to himself






Zoom
What next for Sato?
The writing had been on the wall for some time and when BAR Honda confirmed that Jenson Button would be retained by the team alongside new-recruit Rubens Barrichello, Takuma Sato found himself out of a ride in Formula One in 2006.

"I am not surprised by today's confirmation about next year but am obviously very disappointed with the news," the Japanese racer told his own personal web site. "I have many thoughts about the situation and have my own opinions, but now is not the right time for me to comment. I would like to thank all my fans and supporters for their continued faith and look forward to rewarding them with some good news soon."

In a statement released earlier today by BAR, team CEO Nick Fry stated that they were in talks with Sato regarding 'possibilities for the future.'

Sporting Director Gil de Ferran took the opportunity to 'wish him well for the future,' indicating that Sato may not automatically be given a testing role with the team.

Sato of course has suffered a torrid season with the team starting with a 14th placed finish in Melbourne followed by a retirement in Bahrain. The team were then disqualified at Imola and missed Spanish and Monaco races. Mechanical problems and some bad luck continued until Sato scored an eighth position in Hungary and in Italy he was running well before a fuelling issue ruined his race.

It remains to be seen whether BAR Honda will retain Sato but that too may well depend on Anthony Davidson's ongoing talks with Jordan/Midland Toyota.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

[jackosimm]

I dont no if its him or just sheer bad luck, either way he's gooooone

[strider]

sad day...
V8s, at 2006's melbourne, everyone hold up a sign that says "bring back V10"

[Vivski]

I will laugh SO HARD if Webber finishes higher than Button next season.

[^^v]

I hope toyota get Sato

mite just happen...

[24/09/05 - 16:31]

Kolles confirms Midland interest in Sato
Toyota happy to have Sato on board at Midland F1





Zoom
Midland Toyota for Takuma Sato in 2006?
Jordan chief Colin Kolles confirmed at Interlagos today that the team could make a bid to bring in Takuma Sato as a race driver for next season.

Sato, who has strong connections with Honda, is out of a drive next year after BAR confirmed ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix that Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello will be their race drivers in 2006.

Jordan, which will be re-branded as Midland next year, runs with Toyota engines but Kolles confirmed the Japanese company have given his team clearance to bid for Sato's services if they see him as their best option.

"We are very interested in Takuma," said Kolles. "We talked about the issue with Toyota and they are happy. We have to find the best solution for next year for our team, but we have quite a lot of options."

Sato raced with Jordan Honda in 2002.

E.A.
Source AFP

[pornstar]

yeah this was inevitable, Hondas popularity went right up when Sato began driving for them in Japan. Only Natural Toyota would want a peice of this.

But the question is... Honda backed him all the way up til now, what would you do about loyalities etic?

[kenshin]

there's no such thing as loyalty in motorsport...

on paper sato wasnt performing...

[LUD02C]

Williams need all the money they can get.

Sato and Midland, hey we always need backmarkers hitting the top teams it just seems perfect for him.

Last year Sato should of scored points and he didn't, I think that was his downfall.

[pornstar]

not at all jaseon, i think if u remember, his engines were blowing up?

[^^v]

yeah... hes had more than his fair share of bad luck...

[LUD02C]

Ok, season 2004 *Flashback time*

Jenson scored 85 points, while Sato scored 34.
The closest to Ferrari was Jenson while Michael got 148 Points, and Rubens 114.
Jenson's next rival in the title was Alonso with 59 points.
So Button scored 51 points more then Sato and 29 points more then Alonso.

If you have time, you can go to F1.com and look how many times they each finished etc.