Honda out to spend to keep Button.

Honda are prepared to spend ?150 million in order to keep Jenson Button with BAR beyond 2005.

According to reports by British newspaper, The People, apart from buying a 45 per cent stake in the team, announced earlier this month, they are also going to spent over ?25 million to build a new wind tunnel, in a bid to beat Ferrari and the rest of the F1 grid.

The tunnel is to be built near BAR's base in Brackley, and a planning application has already been filed, with a decision due in the next few weeks.

This takes their investment in the team to new levels, as they already spend ?100 million on engine development.

The decision to dispense with former boss David Richards meanwhile, was also according to the tabloid, to 'smooth the way' for Button to stay beyond 2005, after the two fell out following Jenson's decision to try and re-join Williams.

An 'insider' reportedly told the 'paper: "With Richards going and the development of the new wind tunnel, this will give Jenson the chance of a new start and can only improve his chances of becoming world champion.

"During Button's relationship with Richards at BAR, the couple hardly spoke, and Jenson's decision to move to Williams caused even more friction.

"Honda obviously want to be champs with Button in the car and that's why they felt a change at the top was needed."