Ralf Shows Support for Button

BMW-Williams driver Ralf Schumacher has voiced his support for former teammate Jenson Button and said he should be given more of a chance to prove himself.

German Schumacher, who was teammate with Button at Williams in 2000, said the British driver has endured a tough season in his first year on loan at Benetton-Renault because he was under pressure from his home media.

"He has had a difficult time and in a way it had to come," said Schumacher. "English journalists put him under so much pressure. They made him a World Champion by the time he did his first or second race.

"He is definitely a lot quicker than he showed this year and we will see what his future is."

Button was under pressure at Benetton towards the end of last season and was linked with a move away from the team. But an improvement in performance in the final three races eased the pressure. Schumacher is sure that must continue from Button next year when Benetton are re-branded the Renault team, or he could be out of a job.

Schumacher added: "In a way I am quite sure that he has to prove himself soon, otherwise he will not be with us very long."