Button Expected to Sign with Benetton

Briton Jenson Button increased the frenzy in the Formula One drivers' market with his career-best fourth place finish in Sunday's German Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old Williams driver, who swept through the field after starting from the back of the 22-car grid, is expected to be replaced in the BMW-powered team by Colombian Juan-Pablo Montoya who has had a triumphant spell in America's ChampCar series.

According to informed sources in the Formula One paddock, an announcement confirming Button's two-year 'loan' transfer to rivals Benetton is due to be made before the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest on August 13.

But his determined demonstration of obvious talent and potential in the treacherous conditions may have prompted Williams to re-think that plan - and at the same time encouraged rival teams to hasten their approaches.

Benetton team chief Flavio Briatore has admitted he is very keen to sign him.

"The deal is not done yet, but we are very impressed with him," said Briatore. "He is a very good driver, very fast and also very intelligent. He would learn a lot with Benetton and Renault."

Briatore denied weekend reports that a deal was completed, but may now wish it was after seeing Button produce a performance outshone only by Brazilian Rubens Barrichello's charge to victory for Ferrari from 18th on the grid.

Drive Secured

Button, who was only 19 when he secured the Williams drive earlier this year after a 'shootout' against Brazilian Bruno Junquiera, is tied to Williams under a five-year contract.

But the deal allows him to move to another team, effectively on loan, if Williams wish to use another driver.

If Button were to join Benetton for two years, he is expected to return to Williams in 2003 for the final two seasons of his contract.

"I know I have something good lined up for next year whatever happens," said Button. "I am relaxed and happy and I wish everyone else would just chill out and relax too.

"I can't tell you exactly what I am doing, but it is an excellent decision for me if it happens."

If Benetton pull out, Button could still switch instead to British American Racing as 1997 world champion Canadian Jacques Villeneuve's teammate.

Villeneuve's comments following current teammate Ricardo Zonta's collision with him during Sunday's race make it virtually certain the Brazilian will be replaced.