Williams doesn't rule out Button return

And the signs are that controversial new signing Juan Pablo Montoya has not done enough yet to keep his seat after his contract ends next year.

The Williams-BMW team boss was speaking at the European Grand Prix as the team confirmed that double race-winner Ralf Schumacher is to remain with them until the end of the 20004 season.

That leaves Button, contracted to Benetton until the end of next year, and his replacement Montoya scrapping over the other seat in a team which is shaping up to be a front-running force in Formula 1 again.

"It is very possible Jenson will be back in a Williams car in 2003," said Williams at the Nurburgring. "The truth about Jenson is that, besides being a man who should become a world champion, he is also very pleasant and so far unchanged.

"As a driver he is fuss-free, very smooth like Raikkonen, who I also like to watch. It is clear that he was born to drive a GP car."

Williams says Button's lacklustre record at Benetton this season, which is so far point-less, is deceptive.

"It appears that Jenson has come to a shuddering halt, but he hasn't because he is learning," said Williams. "Learning how to deal with a disappointing situation, how to deal with technical matters and different personalities.

"He is learning how to become a stronger character."