Jenson Button's future lies in the hands of Formula One bosses after BAR today revealed they will not take legal action should his move to Williams be confirmed.
Both BAR and Williams have contracts with Button lodged at Formula One's contract recognition board (CRB), which will decide in the next two weeks where the Englishman will drive next season.
The two teams are convinced they both have legitimate deals with Button but BAR today pledged to avoid a messy legal row should the CRB ruling go against them.
A BAR statement read: "BAR understands that Williams have lodged a contract between themselves and Jenson Button for 2005 with the contract recognition board, and this now sets in motion the correct procedure for arbitration.
"BAR is pleased that, after weeks of speculation, the legitimate process of arbitration is being followed. The team places its faith in the CRB's judgement over the matter and will abide by the outcome."
Button earlier this week expressed his faith that the CRB would uphold his desire to switch to Williams, refusing to discuss what would happen should that not be the case.
BAR are keen to keep hold of Button and hope to challenge for the world championship with the Somerset-born driver.
The statement added: "In the event that the CRB upholds BAR's contract with Jenson Button for the 2005 season, the team very much looks forward to working with him and taking another step forward in its ambitious plans to win the world championship."