Ferrari's Brawn admits to interest in Button

Ferrari and Button?
By pitpass.com (27/04/2004)
April 27 2004

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has already admitted to having his eye on a couple of drivers as the Maranello outfit looks ahead to the inevitable day when Michael Schumacher opts to call it a day, having decided that there's nothing left to prove or that he's no longer enjoying himself.

Although the German shows no sign of easing off, the Italian team has to start considering its options.

Brawn has already admitted to being impressed with both Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, the latest name to be added to the Englishman's list of 'possibles' is Jenson Button.

"One day Michael's going to stop," he told BBC Radio Five Live, "and you've got to look around and see who's the best at that stage. "I think Jenson will be on that list for sure."

Button currently lies third in the championship, one point behind Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, the BAR driver following up thirds in Malaysia and Bahrain with a stunning drive to second place at San Marino.

"I think he's doing a fantastic job," Brawn continued. "He knows the circuits now and he's learning how to work with the teams. "I think he'll be a hot property in the next couple of years.

"I think he showed signs in the early days," he added, "and if you get in the right environment and the right people behind you believe in you it raises your game. You see all the signs of that."

Although Button has said the he intends to remain at BAR, it's known that several teams are interested in him, having reassessed his potential in recent weeks. Furthermore there is still mystery surrounding his ties with WilliamsF1.

That said, should Ferrari come knocking on his door, Button might find the offer difficult to refuse.

This article was written by pitpass.com and is used with permission.