Button could be replaced for Austria...

[wodonnell]

Unless pains in his shoulder relax Jenson has been advised to sit out the Austrian GP.

He has had a pain killing injection to allow him to race in Spain but had been advised my his team that it could be in his best interests to miss the Austrian GP.

If he missed the race his seat will likely be filled by Benetton test and F3000 driver Mark Webber.

For more details check www.autosport.com

[Tristan]

Wow, may be there's more to MF's (rubbish) rumour.

It will be interesting to see how Webber performs. In all honesty, he's do well to quailfy. Still, I stand by Button, he HAS got talent and I hope he'll persevere.

[DancingMachine]

why benetton why

[R]

If Button is forced to sit out, it will be interesting to see what Webber can do.

He didn't do all that well in the F3000 race today, but that was due to a crash in qualifying yesterday which led him to start only in 11th position on the grid.

[Bononi]

With the benettons being outperformed by Minardis, I would suggest Webber get a flu or something, so he doesn't race in Austria.
That's enough cracking the young Button, driving such bad car !!!!

[McLaren-15]

Hey, i think the Minardi Fan has jinxed Button.

I wouldn't mind seeing Webber racing in the Benetton although it isn't the best of cars.

I agree with Tristan, Button is a good driver and I hope he sticks with the Benetton.

[wodonnell]

Of course, Flavio could probably recall Alonso to fill the seat but given the way he has been pushing the Minardi I don't think its likely.

If Webber did take the seat would he still be able to do the F3000 race? He seems a pretty fit guy but would effectively be doing 1.5 GP distances + 2 lots of qualifying.

Actually, would he qualify for a superlicence given that he hasn't won any major championships (yet)? I don't think he has done enough miles in the Benetton yet has he?

[Don K]

Originally posted by wodonnell
Actually, would Webber qualify for a superlicence given that he hasn't won any major championships (yet)?

I think he was third in last year's F3000 championship. That is probably enough to give him a superlicense.

Don K.

[marcus]

of course he would qualify for a licence..he won 1 F3000 race last year and already has one win under his belt this year..that would be automatic qualification I believe..plus he has won in F3 in the past.

anyway catch 22 for Webber here..he will be quick in the benetton if he gets his chance..but sadly the car seems to be junk..so it may not be the best thing for his career..but he is destined for F1 Im sure.

[Tristan]

Despite this setback, I still think Button's seat next year is safe. Well, at least I think it SHOULD be. He's under contract, so there'll be no change.

By all accounts it an old karting injury that he's had for sometime. Also the Benetton has had all kinds of problems with ther power steering, so that may well have aggrovated it.

Alonso WILL be a Renault driver come 2003. Wheather he replaces Fischo or Button remains to be seen. I think by then BOTH may want to leave! However, the Renault WILL come good (surely!) so it MIGHT be wise for them to persevere.