Friday January 14th, 2000

Jenson Button's bid for a Formula One slot ended in frustration on Friday when mechanical problems prevented him from stating his claim for the second seat at BMW-Williams.

The 19-year-old, who is set to become the youngest British F1 driver if he impresses the team this weekend, was scheduled to complete several laps in a morning session, but only managed to finish one lap before the gearbox failed.

Returning in the afternoon, the young hopeful was beset with more electronic and gearbox problems. By the end of the day, the team had only succeeded in completing three laps.

"The car stopped nearly as soon as he (Button) got out," said one onlooker in the pitlane. "It was through no fault of his own. The gearbox was just not talking to the engine.

"Williams changed the gearbox and later Jenson went out again, but the problems continued. He was finding it very frustrating."

James Robinson, senior operations engineer, said: "The problems were caused by software which then led to gearbox problems. We eventually got the car back out in the afternoon, but were still experiencing some engine problems.

"Obviously, this has not been a very good day for us. But we will attempt to resume normal duties on Saturday with Jenson and Bruno Junquiera, following some extensive work on Friday night."

Brazilian Junquiera, who is also vying for the seat, will get his first run after spending Friday sitting on the pit-wall.

Confirmed BMW-Williams driver Ralf Schumacher will attend on Sunday before the team moves to Barcelona for more testing from January 19-21.