Button Leaves Williams After 'Best Year of my Life'

Briton Jenson Button completed his first season in Formula One on Sunday and said farewell to Williams with a retirement in Malaysia that failed to dampen his enthusiasm.

"It's an abrupt end to a good year. Hopefully we can come back fighting strongly next year," said Button, who moves to Benetton next season.

"It's my first year in Formula One and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been the best year of my life," he said.

Button's race ended on lap 19 while he was 10th when smoke came out of back of the car and the engine died.

He said he would miss his friends at Williams. The team has loaned him to Benetton for two seasons to make way for incoming Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya but have the right to recall the 20-year-old in 2003.

"I'll be back there in two years and really I've got to concentrate on next year now and getting the best out of the car and engine. I'm looking forward to it," said Button.