Button Abandons BAR Test after Crash

Briton Jenson Button abandoned a BAR Formula One test session today after crashing heavily in southern Spain, the Formula One team said.

Button, who missed the Monaco Grand Prix due to concussion after crashing before that race, suffered bruising to a knee when he lost control and hit the metal barriers at the Jerez circuit.

"I was coming through turn four which is quite a quick corner and I put a wheel on the grass, which caused the car immediately to snap out of control," said the Briton, who has scored 12 of BAR's 18 points. "I went into the Armco barrier on the left hand side which caused quite a lot of damage to the car."

The 23-year-old said he had bruised his right knee and was returning home.

"It's best to rest it," he said. "I've had a check and everything seems fine. It's a disappointing way to end the test but I'm really looking forward to Indianapolis."

The US Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Michael Schumacher could clinch a record sixth title, is the penultimate race of the season on September 28. BAR said Button crashed at around 0830GMT at a point where there were no tyre barriers, damaging the suspension and underside of the chassis. A spokeswoman said he would have another examination by his own doctor at home.

Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was also testing for BAR at Jerez with Japan's Takuma Sato due to take over on Friday. BAR are fifth in the Championship, a point ahead of Jaguar.