Button's Deal with Benetton Now Official

Briton Jenson Button confirmed on Thursday he has signed for the Benetton Formula One team for the next two years.

"I am really happy to have signed with Benetton and Renault for the next two years," Button said. "They are not only a team with a world championship winning history, but there is also a strong future with Renault. I want to start winning races and it's great to know I will be with a team that can help me do that."

Benetton's chief, Flavio Briatore, welcomed Button to the team, saying: "Jenson has done an incredible job for his first year in Formula 1. He has shown natural talent and intelligence which are two important characteristics for a driver. I think his partnership with Benetton and Renault will be very beneficial to both sides."

Button, 20, has made a big impression in his debut season with BMW-Williams, scoring eight points.

He is under a five-year contract with Williams and the team have an option to bring him back for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

"I am very thankful to the BMW WilliamsF1 team for having given me the great opportunity of stepping into Formula 1," commented Jenson. "I hope to be able to continue gaining valuable experience in F1 in order to reclaim my seat within the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in 2003."

Sir Frank Williams thanked Button for his services and wish him luck: "Jenson has astonished the team with his immediate grasp of Formula One and with the calmness of his approach to driving an F1 car even under the greatest of pressures in a qualifying situation. There is no doubt in my mind that Jenson will go on to be a truly great racing driver."