Head Expresses Button Concerns

BMW-Williams technical director Patrick Head has said that he and team chief Frank Williams face a difficult decision next year when it comes to dictating Jenson Button's future in the sport.

Button has been loaned by Williams to Benetton for two seasons and the former will have the option on what to do with the British racer when that deal ends in 2003.

Williams have replaced Button with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya for the 2001 season and Head said a decision on Button will be made next year, but it will not be simple.

"We've got a difficult decision to make with Jenson in mid-season in 2002," said Head. "Jenson has lots of potential but he also has lots of distractions, both social and commercial.

"He clearly enjoys life and he likes to have a good time. That is a good quality to have these days. Thankfully, he is not one of those colourless neurotics. In 18 months he will be a lot better."

Head also conceded that he expects current BMW-Williams driver Ralf Schumacher to beat Montoya this season, with a few scrapes along the way.

He added: "Clearly, Ralf Schumacher is a class act in Formula One. It would surprise me if Juan Pablo Montoya was ahead of Ralf in his first season. There is bound to be a fair bit of needle and there will be one or two bumps. If there is more than one coming together it will be a bit of a worry."