Grapevine: Alonso Tipped for Button's Seat at Benetton

According to reports in the Belgian press, Benetton boss Flavio Briatore is keen to bring his contracted driver Fernando Alonso in from Minardi to replace Briton Jenson Button next season.

Button, in his second Formula One season, is on a two-year loan at the Benetton team and was expected to return to Williams, where he made his Grand Prix debut last year, in 2003. However, the 21-year old has struggled to show his early promise this year, being constantly outperformed by teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

The Italian driver has qualified in front of Button in twelve of the fourteen races so far this season, and has scored eight points compared to Button's two. Reports in the Belgian press on Monday indicated that his future with Benetton could be in doubt as Briatore is reported to be unhappy with the Brit's performance.

Briatore, who owns Alonso's contract, is thought to be willing to take the Spaniard to Benetton earlier than expected. The Minardi driver has impressed so far this year with the small Italian team, and though he has not scored any points so far, the 20-year old is being tipped as a future champion.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said during the Belgian Grand Prix that he was waiting for Benetton to confirm Button before he could be absolutely sure he would have Alonso for another year.