Webber and Williams pay respect to Button

Button made his Formula One debut with Williams in 2000 but then had to move to Renault to make way for Juan Pablo Montoya. He was then signed by BAR, and after two years with the Honda-powered team made an unsuccessful attempt to return to Williams at the end of 2004.

After the two teams had to resolve Button's contract at the Contract Recognition Board, Button was set to return to Williams, who had first option on his services, in 2006. But the Briton decided halfway through 2005 that he would rather stay at Honda, and he ended up paying a hefty sum of money to Williams to release him.

But all that is long gone now, and Frank Williams had nothing but kind words for his former protege.

"I think Honda are very impressive," Williams said today, when asked to predict if Button will win this year. "The number of laps they can do each day without a problem is very frightening. And that is the Honda of old, unfortunately.

"I would honestly be very, very surprised if Jenson didn't win... I would be happy for him, but he needs a win and he deserves a win."

Webber too admitted he was sad to miss the opportunity of racing against Button. "It is inevitable in this game that you want to compare yourself to your teammate, because you have the same car," the Australian said.

"I was very disappointed when Jenson didn't come here; I wanted him to come to Williams, as did Williams, but in the end he didn't want to come, so he is staying at Honda for reasons you guys well know.

"Nico [Rosberg] is a brilliant signing. He has just come out of GP2 and had a fantastic year, he has tested well for us, did not make any mistakes so he is solid. He is going to be good and there will be weekends where he will give me a hard time.

"But in terms of having someone that is an absolute legend, I wanted to have Jenson here, in the other garage."