Herbert Predicts Button will be World Champion

Briton Johnny Herbert said on Friday that compatriot Jenson Button has the potential to become World Drivers' Champion.

Jaguar driver Herbert, who will bow out of Formula One at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, predicted that 20-year-old Button will be the next British World Champion after Damon Hill in 1996.

"He has impressed a lot of people - well, everybody - which in one respect is very good for British motorsport," Herbert said of Button, who is to join the Benetton team from Williams at the end of the season.

"As long as everything goes well for him at Benetton next year then he looks set to be a World Champion.

"He's still got a bit to learn, but he has shown how determined he can be. The best thing about Jenson is that he is very obviously enjoying it. We haven't seen anything like that for a long time."

Herbert said Button would benefit from his two-year loan move to Benetton, with whom Herbert made his Formula One debut in 1989 and had a second spell in 1994 and 1995.

Benetton team boss Flavio Briatore will be of a particular help to Button, Herbert said.

"We know how Flavio can be, but in respect of Jenson it don't think it will be a bad thing. It won't do him any harm at all. In fact I think it will make him stronger," Herbert added.