Button to Ferrari?

[Sparky]

Minardifan, have you been busy again?

From Autosport:

Jenson Button has been linked to a £24 million, three-year-deal that would see the youngster move to the Ferrari Formula 1 team.

According to reports in Britain's News of the World, the Italian team's growing frustration with its star driver Michael Schumacher's refusal to discuss a contract which expires at the end of next year has led to investigations into potential alternatives, of which Jenson Button is number one.

"The team has been highly impressed by Jenson," said a Ferrari insider, "and [Ferrari president] Luca di Montezemelo has labelled him as a star of the future. Things are in the balance because Michael has a contract until the end of next year, but we do not know what he wants to do and we cannot afford to wait."

Button has had a lacklustre 2001 season so far, struggling with an uncompetitive Benetton and finished second to last and three laps down in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix. He admitted that it is every driver's dream to drive for the Prancing Horse.

"Any driver would love to drive for Ferrari," said Button, "because they are the world champions. They are the best team at the moment, but I am not going to talk about my future."

He is in the first of a two-year stint at Benetton, but remains under contract to Williams until the end of 2003. With Sir Frank's current driver line-up of San Marino Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, who finished second in Spain, delivering the goods, Button may become surplus to requirements.

While the 21-year-old's management admitted that it was involved in talks, Dave Roberston would not confirm it was with Ferrari.

"Top teams talk to top drivers," said Robertson. "Jenson would love to drive for Ferrari one day but I cannot tell you who we are talking to."

Williams gave Button his break in F1 last year and will undoubtedly be key to a potential move to Ferrari, but he has clearly stated that he is in no hurry to decide the future of his protege. Button's loyalty could also be a factor.

"Jenson is extremely loyal," added Robertson. "He has a great relationship with Frank, even if he has moved to another team this season. Frank gave him his F1 break and if it was a choice between Ferrari and Frank, I'm sure he would do what Frank wanted."

How incredible is this? From a fresh-faced boy next door (who had a serious case of hero-worship for Michael Schumacher) to his potential replacement in just over 12 months. That's some going!

How do you see this one playing out...?

[Quino]

This year may be not so bad for Button after all.

As far as it goes it looks like Fisichella is having a go with him, but those Benettons are so out of order and at the beginning of their developmentcycle that you could be forgiven calling them experimental. Both cars aren't racing, they are testing. Including on raceweekends, collecting data where ever they can. And we all know testtimes don't say anything.

Needless to say the Benettons arent very quick. But Button is certainly not forgotten. Everybody seems to be acknowledging that Button is learning like a maniac at this time. Technically and mentally he will be a better driver at the end of this season. And he stepped in a very good driver.

Obviously, Ferrari sees serious potential in this kid, as do many more.

For the moment Ferrari is simple browsing in the drivershop. Pulling one driver out if a rack, after the other. Button is one of them on the ground mentioned above. Will he be in the seat? I don't know. But for now there are more drivers in F1 who definatly won't be in that seat then drivers who really have a fair shot.

[laxman]

what about luca???

he will probably remain a test driver forever

[Minardi fan]

Gosh, wow, blimey etc... I don't blame Ferrari though - why should they wait on the whim of TGF?

[Tristan]

I too have heard this rumour. Don't beleive it though. JPM and Ralfie will be Ferrari drivers, JPM sooner than later. 2003, I'd say.

[DancingMachine]

FACT 1) MS is ferrari. i hope u guys know how ferrari was before MS stepped in with his GOLD shoes. Ferrari has been build around politics and MS is the only 1 to keep ferrari out of it. with MS ferrari... lol i donno where ferrari would be...

FACT 2) Ferrari is MS. hes gonna drive in the ferrari till his death bed. after he retires, hes gonna control the team to a certain extent.. so dont expect a driver who is not liked by MS to step in the Ferrari gear.

FACT 3) like it or not but MS is the most powerful man IN F1. if u dont believe me, check the ratings of F1 before MS shook hands with ferrari....

[Tristan]

Who is Bernie Ecclestone?? Never HEARD of Max Mosley.....!!!!

[senna12]

Ferrari has a great number of excellent young drivers from which to choose. They have checked out JPM's deal, and now they're doing it with Jenson. You can expect Kimi and Fernando to get a serious look too. But according to Mr. Machine, it won't be anyone else at Ferrari's decision, except for Lord Michael, king of all motor racing. Could you enlighten us perhaps, through your obviously impeccable sources, as to whom Mr. Schumacher prefers among this young crew of hotshoes?

[Gt_R]

Looking at this season though, Fernando Alonso seems a better bet...

But how about Trulli? Or Ralf to replace his brother?

And is Jenson sure that Ferrari is interested in him?? Or issit just a stunt pulled by his manager to raise his stake in F1, after a disappointing 2001 season...afterall, he refused to name names, yet give inconclusive hints at Ferrari....

Just a thought~

[riusnow]

I would like to see Ralf go to Ferrari but I can't see Williams giving him up. Besides I think Ralf wants to be the #1 man, not 2nd especially to his brother. He'll fell like he's 12 again.
I think button is a more logical choice. He knows he has alot to learn and that he may be in F1 for a long time. Ferrari knows MS will retire soon and will need time to 'mold' a new driver. I think given the right car, Button could be a future champ.

[Valve Bounce]

Let's think clearly on this one. Ralf and JPM might be in the best cars as of next year, so why would either of them want to move? The Bunsen is actually acquitting himself very well at Renault, because he has not complained at all, and is getting on with the job. Obviously, his development at Renault is doing him a lot of good, and he would certainly be a front runner if he was with Ferrari now. I get the feeling that Rubens has got a bad case of the miseries, and any Ferrari driver who criticises Ferrari the way he has been doing is looking for a swift kick in the pants.

[Wrex]

Originally posted by Gt_R
Or issit just a stunt pulled by his manager to raise his stake in F1, after a disappointing 2001 season...afterall, he refused to name names, yet give inconclusive hints at Ferrari....

Just a thought~

I think your right on the money Gt_R. As soon as I read the story, that was my instant reaction. Button will go well in the future, but he's not ready for ferrari.

[Tristan]

[QUOTE]Ralf and JPM might be in the best cars as of next year, so why would either of them want to move?[\QUOTE]

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[Bononi]

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