Lauda admits Button could join Jaguar

Jaguar Racing boss Niki Lauda has hinted that Jenson Button could replace Eddie Irvine in the Milton Keynes squad's line-up next year, but insists that no decision has yet been taken

Irvine's contract with the Big Cat expires at Suzuka at the end of the season, and Button is known to have had talks with Jaguar concerning next year. Jenson's current team, Renault, is understood to be considering test driver Fernando Alonso or Minardi's Mark Webber for 2003, as they are both managed by team boss Flavio Briatore, although either of those could otherwise join Jaguar, according to Lauda.

"We have looked at Alonso and Webber [who have both recently tested for the team] and we talked to Button because we are evaluating what drivers are available next year," Lauda told reporters at a photographic exhibition yesterday (Tuesday). "Pedro [de la Rosa] has a contract next year really so he will stay for sure. So the question is Eddie."

Lauda has revealed that completing his driver line-up for 2003 is not his highest priority at present, however.

"First of all we have to get the car in order, this is the number one priority," he added. "As soon as the car is getting better, and we know the next steps we are going to do, then we will think about the driver situation."