Walker backs Jenson Button

Jenson Button encountered a very dismal first year with the Renault powered Benetton outfit last year, the young Englishman quickly going from hero to zero after a very successful debut with Williams. Team boss Flavio Briatore warned the twenty-two year old that he had to pull his socks up and get his act together for 2002 or else face the possibility of being without a drive.

Jenson took the time to reflect over his performances and although a lot of his negative results were based on the team's 2001 contender, he put everything down to a learning experience and vowed to do better this year. Ex ITV commentator Murray Walker has now backed the young driver and even believes he will be world championship material one day.

"He had a tough season last year, but it wasn't altogether his fault," Walker said. "The car wasn't up to it until towards the end of the season, and hopefully the car will be a lot better this year. He has got a season's experience with the team now and he knows he has got to come good this season. But he is a darn good driver, and a very sensible and very nice chap. I will stick my neck out and say that Jenson Button will get the job done, and he is world champion potential."