Unbuttoned no longer...

[Minardi fan]

From Planet F1, although given their earlier stupidity this could be a story about Taki Inoue...

Button's future looking clear
Jenson Button's Formula One future has been given a
boost in France.

Button's team chief Frank Williams admitted he did
not think Champ Car star Juan Pablo Montoya would
be released from his contract.

Williams looked certain to replace 20-year-old Button
with Montoya if he could secure the services of the
Colombian for next season.

But Montoya, currently defending his FedEx title in the
predominantly United States-based series, is
contracted to Chip Ganassi's team until the end of the
2001 season.

"Juan is under contract for a further year with Chip,"
said Williams. "It is up to Chip if he decides to release
him - but I am sure he won't do."

Ganassi, along with engine partner Toyota, wants to
hang onto Montoya who he described as 'probably the
best driver in the world' after his victory in the
Indianapolis 500 at the first attempt last month.

Paddock speculation at this weekend's French Grand
Prix at Magny-Cours suggest that Frome-born Button,
who has impressed in his rookie year, will be retained
by Williams.

The latest development is good news for Britain's
youngest ever Formula One driver especially as his
other options could be diminishing with the driver
rumour mill moving into top gear.

Button, who is on a five-year rolling contract with
Williams, was being linked with a loan deal with Jordan
should Heinz-Harald Frentzen replace Johnny Herbert
at Jaguar next season.

But Jordan's chances of keeping Frentzen despite the
lure of Jaguar's millions were boosted when they
announced a major engine deal for next year.