Button Refuses Senna's Comparisons

British Formula One sensation Jenson Button admitted he does not want to be compared with the late Ayrton Senna, but confessed he is going to try to emulate the great Brazilian's achievements.

20-year old Button impressed the Formula One paddock in his debut season with the Williams-BMW team, finishing in eighth position in the championship, and has been tipped as a future champion by many experts and former drivers.

But Button believes it's too early to compare him to the three-time Formula One World Champion, regarded as one of the best drivers in the history of the sport.

"I'm continually compared to Ayrton but I can never become the second Senna," Button said. "I want to remain as the first Button.

"I want to become a world champion and be as successful as him but that will not happen at this stage of my career”, he added. "People keep saying I'm as big as Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve and that is also wrong."

Button, who will drive for Benetton in 2001, also thanked BMW Motorsports Director Gerhard Berger, who was Senna's teammate and close friend, for the help he received form him during the season.

"Gerhard gave me a lot of advice during the season, particularly at the start when I was new to Formula One. He gave me a lot of useful tips and supported me throughout, which I am grateful for."