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BAR-Honda CEO Nick Fry has assured Jenson Button he has “a job for life” at his current team if he wants it.
“Clearly, our aim is to keep Jenson as long as we possibly can, and if he can be with us for the rest of his career that would please us immensely,” Fry told The People newspaper.
Button was the subject of a tug of war last season between BAR and Williams and is still considered likely to seek a return to his former employer for 2006 – especially if BAR’s form doesn’t improve.
The Brackley squad was the revelation of 2004, finishing second only to Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, but has so far failed to score a single point this season.
However, Button’s record-shattering pace at last week’s Barcelona test has sparked renewed optimism inside the team that it may be able to turn around its fortunes once the European season gets underway at Imola.
Fry knows that he needs to give Button a competitive car if he is to have any chance of signing him to a long-term contract extension.
“Obviously, racing drivers want to be in the best car and it is our job to give him that and we are clearly focused on doing that,” Fry continued.
“I have told Jenson to be patient and promised him that things will pick up – and quickly.
“We have struggled with some technical issues but it looks like we have got to the bottom of them.
“I am extremely confident that we will achieve our aim of winning a race or more this year.
“Anything we can identify that will help the team and Jenson meet his needs is done.”
“Clearly, our aim is to keep Jenson as long as we possibly can, and if he can be with us for the rest of his career that would please us immensely,” Fry told The People newspaper.
Button was the subject of a tug of war last season between BAR and Williams and is still considered likely to seek a return to his former employer for 2006 – especially if BAR’s form doesn’t improve.
The Brackley squad was the revelation of 2004, finishing second only to Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, but has so far failed to score a single point this season.
However, Button’s record-shattering pace at last week’s Barcelona test has sparked renewed optimism inside the team that it may be able to turn around its fortunes once the European season gets underway at Imola.
Fry knows that he needs to give Button a competitive car if he is to have any chance of signing him to a long-term contract extension.
“Obviously, racing drivers want to be in the best car and it is our job to give him that and we are clearly focused on doing that,” Fry continued.
“I have told Jenson to be patient and promised him that things will pick up – and quickly.
“We have struggled with some technical issues but it looks like we have got to the bottom of them.
“I am extremely confident that we will achieve our aim of winning a race or more this year.
“Anything we can identify that will help the team and Jenson meet his needs is done.”
