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Button overcomes storm for best F1 career finish
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 4th Aug 2000.
By Trevor Porter
Jenson Button was just one place short of his first Grand Prix podium placing after an incredible race at Hockenheim on Sunday.
Starting at the back of the grid at the German Grand Prix, he stormed through the field to finish fourth, just seconds down on third-placed fellow Brit David Coulthard.
Despite the poor starting position, he drove a superb race to finish in the best position yet in his short career in Formula One.
It all worked out well for me, said Frome-born Button. I'll have to start from the back more often. I avoided the tangle at the front of the field that took Michael Schumacher out of the race, and I could see the way clear when I got to the first corner.
The German round of the world series was the race that had it all: a tangle at the first corner taking the championship leader out of the running; a spectator walking on to the track, forcing the organisers to bring out the safety car, and a thunderstorm that brought wet driving conditions to only half of the track.
In his first race at Hockenheim, the 20-year-old drove with a blend of opportunism and aggression to deservingly take fourth with valuable points for Williams BMW to keep third place in the constructors' championships, and three more world championship points to take him to eighth in the drivers' championship.
Sunday's fine drive for talented Button, who passed his driving test in Trowbridge little more than two years ago, has underlined his potential and growing value in the drivers' market.
His father, John, who started his son off in karts at the age of six, said: He drove his socks off.
He put in some remarkable times in the wet at the fast circuit and has made many team managers take a lot of interest.
Young Button's latest display must have further impressed Benetton boss Flavio Briatore, who is expected to take Button on loan for two years next season if Juan pablo Montoya returns to Williams from America.
Briatore insists no decision has been made, yet but Button looks certain to partner Fisichella next season.
Button, who is in Spain testing the Williams in preparation for the next Grand Prix, said: I'm really happy with my result considering how my race started.
The team made an excellent job in calling me in at the right time to switch to wet tyres.
It was very difficult because the back of the circuit was dry yet in the pit lane it was raining.
A source close to the family said the announcement of Button's move is expected during the next few days, but stressed the promising young driver is only on loan by Benetton and that Frank Williams is keeping Britain's most promising driver under contract.
l More motor racing: Page 108.
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