Button needs to shine at Monaco

The 20-year-old was fined around £500 after being caught in a police speed trap while crossing France last Sunday.

He faces probably the biggest challenge of his fledgling Grand Prix career in Monaco this weekend with the stakes rising all the time.

Button has less than a handful of races to prove to team boss Frank Williams he deserves to keep his seat ahead of Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

About the same time Button was going in a policeman's book outside Montpellier for clocking 141mph in a BMW diesel, Montoya advanced his cause dramatically by winning America's most famous race, the Indy 500.

But at least Button has the vote - and advice - of BMW boss Gerhard Berger as he approaches the daunting confines of Monte Carlo.

"I think we should pay his fine because he did an unbelieveable speed considering it was a diesel," joked Berger. "I saw one newspaper saying we had the quickest diesel in the world."

But on the serious business of Monte Carlo Berger believes that if he has the talent Button should shine in Monaco.

"Monaco is not an easy race the first time you drive it," said Berger.

"But talented drivers come here and do fast times straight away. I am looking forward to seeing Jenson perform on this circuit. He has never seen it or raced on it.

"Everyone knows the decision has not yet been made on who will drive for Williams.

"Jenson is going a very good job.

"Obviously Montoya is a very strong driver too and he also has a contract with Williams, but Jenson has done some fantastic races for a young and inexperienced driver.

"I think there is some time to look to him, this weekend and in Canada to see if he continues his performance.

"And as he showed on the road some days ago he is doing well.

"I think he has a good chance to stay in the team, but the final decision is down to Frank."