Dino Scuderia
07-09-2005, 09:01 AM
9 July 2005
EXCLUSIVE: JENSON TO JOIN FERRARI
Button £20M deal to replace Rubens
By Oliver Holt, Chief Sports writer
BRITISH Formula One ace Jenson Button is being lined up for a sensational £20million move to Ferrari next season.
The BAR driver has been sounded out about signing a two-year deal to replace Rubens Barrichello at the end of the year.
And he has been told he could take over as the team's number one when Michael Schumacher retires.
Button (right) goes into tomorrow's British Grand Prix at Silverstone with five points after a difficult start to the season.
But Ferrari's move for the British star is part of a masterplan to scupper the threat of a breakaway series led by the sport's engine giants.
It is thought to have the enthusiastic backing of F1 bosses who see the prospect of Button at the wheel of a Ferrari as a massive boost to the sport's marketability.
They know it would destroy any hopes a rival series might have of persuading the powerful English-speaking media to back its version of grand prix racing.
Ferrari have already committed themselves to turning their back on the breakaway series.
And they feel now is the perfect time to strike because Button's plans are so unclear.
Both BAR and Williams are thought to have options on his services, triggered by various clauses, but Button is no longer eager to join either of them.
Williams were favourites to sign him because he had made it clear he would have liked to race for them this season.
But Williams' competitiveness next year was thrown into doubt when their engine supplier BMW bought Sauber last month.
And F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone believes that a move to the Italian team would be the turning point in his career.
"Button needs to be in a team that can get behind him," said Ecclestone, "then he would be in a position to deliver.
"People want to believe it when others say nice things about them and he was in danger of believing he was better than he was.
"But recently he has been shaken and perhaps a little bit stirred into pulling his socks up.
"He needs the kind of discipline he would get at Ferrari.
"Michael Schumacher is wholly dedicated seven days a week. He will win a race by five laps and the next day he will test.
"If Jenson was at Ferrari, he would have to do that whether he liked it or not. It would be good for him."
EXCLUSIVE: JENSON TO JOIN FERRARI
Button £20M deal to replace Rubens
By Oliver Holt, Chief Sports writer
BRITISH Formula One ace Jenson Button is being lined up for a sensational £20million move to Ferrari next season.
The BAR driver has been sounded out about signing a two-year deal to replace Rubens Barrichello at the end of the year.
And he has been told he could take over as the team's number one when Michael Schumacher retires.
Button (right) goes into tomorrow's British Grand Prix at Silverstone with five points after a difficult start to the season.
But Ferrari's move for the British star is part of a masterplan to scupper the threat of a breakaway series led by the sport's engine giants.
It is thought to have the enthusiastic backing of F1 bosses who see the prospect of Button at the wheel of a Ferrari as a massive boost to the sport's marketability.
They know it would destroy any hopes a rival series might have of persuading the powerful English-speaking media to back its version of grand prix racing.
Ferrari have already committed themselves to turning their back on the breakaway series.
And they feel now is the perfect time to strike because Button's plans are so unclear.
Both BAR and Williams are thought to have options on his services, triggered by various clauses, but Button is no longer eager to join either of them.
Williams were favourites to sign him because he had made it clear he would have liked to race for them this season.
But Williams' competitiveness next year was thrown into doubt when their engine supplier BMW bought Sauber last month.
And F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone believes that a move to the Italian team would be the turning point in his career.
"Button needs to be in a team that can get behind him," said Ecclestone, "then he would be in a position to deliver.
"People want to believe it when others say nice things about them and he was in danger of believing he was better than he was.
"But recently he has been shaken and perhaps a little bit stirred into pulling his socks up.
"He needs the kind of discipline he would get at Ferrari.
"Michael Schumacher is wholly dedicated seven days a week. He will win a race by five laps and the next day he will test.
"If Jenson was at Ferrari, he would have to do that whether he liked it or not. It would be good for him."