Montoya hot property as Button must shine.
Juan-Pablo Montoya's historical victory at the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday can only serve to push him further into the limelight and further to the front of Sir Frank Williams' mind
The speculation surrounding who will partner Ralf Schumacher at Williams next year, has kicked-off F1's silly season even earlier than usual. Jenson Button's start to his debut F1 season has been far from inauspicious, with two points finishes and out-qualifying team-mate Ralf twice, yet still it seems his place is under threat. With Montoya as the competition, one can see why.
The young Colombian has won the European F3000 Championship, the CART Championship and now the hallowed Indy 500. It would appear that the men from Grove can keep Montoya at bay no longer.
With the end of the season some five months away however, one could be forgiven for thinking Messers Williams and Head can take their time before reaching a decision. Chances are, they will want to get the matter laid to rest. An impressive showing at Monaco from Button this weekend is therefore vital.
The young Brit has BMW Motorsport boss Gehard Berger on side, and has been taking hints. Talking to The Times Button said: "Of all the races, this is probably where I'll need Gehard the most. I have to admit the circuit looks very tight."
Berger concurs: "Monaco is the most unpredictable race of the calender. Almost every driver ends up against the guard rail. This will make it particularly difficult for a newcomer like Jenson."
Button made the headlines earlier this week for rceiving a hefty fine for doing 141mph on a french autoroute. He will surely hope to make the papers again at the weekend but more for his on-track performance. He will have to do enough to keep himself in the frame and the Colombian out of his seat.
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