Button Expects Benetton to Match Williams

Benetton should be level with Formula One rivals Williams by mid-season and could be title contenders next year, Briton Jenson Button said on Sunday.

"It's going to be great to be able to race against the team I drove for last year," the 20-year-old Button said at the Autosport International show.

"I think we're going to be on a similar level from mid-season to the end of the year.

"I've got to concentrate on getting the team up to a level where they can fight for the championship, which I hope they can do in 2002 before I leave."

Button insisted that the prospect of seeing a Williams ahead of him on the track would make him more focused.

"It will make me more motivated to pass, especially if it's Ralf," he said.

Button, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Friday, was upbeat about Benetton's chances after completing several testing sessions during the past few weeks.

"We've had a few days testing with last year's car and this year's engine and we've been progressing and taking big steps every time," Button said.

"It all seems pretty good and Michelin has impressed me in testing. I'm really pleased with the package that I've got."

Button left Williams on a two-year loan to Renault-owned Benetton at the end of last season after becoming the youngest Formula One driver to score a point and finishing an impressive eighth overall with 12 points.

Williams were third last season, with 36 points but many people expect them to be more competitive this season after BMW's first year back in the sport in 2000.

Benetton were fourth with 20 points.