BMW plays down Button rift rumours.

BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen has dismissed claims that there are any differences of opinion between the German concern and WilliamsF1 over the move by Jenson Button to the team.

Button's announcement that he was to return to Williams after a successful season at BAR caused consternation towards the end of the annual summer recess, with many involved in the sport not understanding why he would want to make such a move - and the BAR team clearly incensed as it believed the Briton had a valid contract to remain at Brackley for the foreseeable future.

"The chance of signing Jenson Button arose at short notice," Theissen confirmed in his regular column on the BMW WilliamsF1 website, "The contact between him and our team hasn't ceased since he left us at the end of the 2000 season. However, due to his contractual situation, we had never expected that he would be available for the 2005 season. On the eve of the German Grand Prix, however, the situation suddenly changed.

"Jenson contacted Frank Williams and told him that he was keen to drive for the team, and that his contract offered him the opportunity to do so. WilliamsF1 informed us of this possibility and had the contractual situation examined. The result was the same. Therefore, he signed a deal with WilliamsF1."

Theissen went on to admit that the situation was not as clear-cut as either the team or Button would have liked, but remained optimistic that it would be resolved in their favour.

"From my point of view, this is no extraordinary action - Jenson saw his chance of moving to us and made use of the opportunity," he said, "For clarity, although the BMW WilliamsF1 Team believes Jenson's position to be clear, his existing team, BAR are disputing this. We believe that this matter will be resolved by a legal process and we are confident of the outcome."

The German was also quick to play down speculation that BMW had not necessarily been in agreement with Williams over the re-signing of the driver who made his debut with the combination in 2000.

"We have been involved in the negotiations from day one," he insisted, "In both cases [Button and Mark Webber], Frank Williams asked us to support his plans and he had our full support concerning both drivers. Therefore, I was rather astonished when I read about alleged differences of opinion within our team. The opposite is the case - In the past twelve months, the co-operation has become closer and better.

"The entire team is looking forward to [running] the new drivers, and I hope that the discussions about Jenson's move will cease soon. I would be delighted if both Mark and Jenson will be at our disposal in time for the winter tests."