The Contract Recognition Board (CRB) today announced that Jenson Button will have to remain with B.A.R next season as they found its contracts with the British driver the only valid contract for 2005.

The CRB reportedly pondered over its decision for four days since their meeting in Milan on Saturday. After hearing legal representations from both teams, they finally came to a conclusion by releasing a 57-page document outlining its findings and verdict.

Meanwhile, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team today acknowledged the verdict delivered by the Contract Recognitions Board (CRB). The team also confirmed that it would not seek to challenge the judgement under any other legal jurisdiction.

In response, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams said, "Naturally we are disappointed with the CRB's conclusion. 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.

“The CRB accepted a significant number of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's arguments, but nevertheless found against us. We do not believe any further legal action in relation to this matter to be in the broader interests of the sport. In spite of the CRB's conclusion, which relates to 2005, we will maintain our close relationship with Jenson for 2006," he added.

Jenson has played a crucial role in B.A.R's success over the past two seasons, particularly this season when they seemed unassailable in second of the 2004 Constructors' Championship with Button occupying third overall in the Driver’s Standings.

Though disappointed, Jenson Button hopes that BAR’s current professionalism as an employer will continue throughout next season. "Naturally I am disappointed by the ruling, but as a matter of principle, I firmly believe in standing by the decision the CRB have reached today. BAR have been extremely professional at the race track during this process, and I expect this to continue. I look forward to joining the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in the future."

Following the recent CRB’s judgement, Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia was reported to believe that he will be promoted from his current test driver status at Williams to a full race driver to partner Mark Webber for 2005.

Speaking at a news conference in Rio before the ruling was announced, Pizzonia sounded hopeful of landing a full-time drive after standing in for the injured Ralf Schumacher in four grands prix this year.

“For the time being, all I have guaranteed is to remain a test driver but I am waiting to hear about my future,” said Pizzonia. “The four races that I did this year were very good for my career. I hadn't planned to race this year but I managed to score six points for the team which they needed for the constructors' championship. Thanks to these four races I am at the top of the list to race for Williams next year if Button stays at BAR,” he added.

Pizzonia, 24, raced for Jaguar last season but failed to score a point and was replaced after 11 races. However, team boss Frank Williams has indeed spoken highly of him. “All we know is that when he's driving a Williams BMW he's very competitive," Williams said last week. "Whether it's testing or racing, his application is exactly the same.”