Sunday March 26th, 2000

Briton Jenson Button impressed Formula One veterans on Sunday by finishing seventh in Brazil in only his second grand prix.

The 20-year-old, who secured his place in the Williams team after a test "shoot-out" on the eve of the season, drove steadily from ninth on the grid.

"Jenson drove a superb race and I can honestly say I am very impressed," said BMW sporting director Gerhard Berger, a vastly-experienced former F1 driver. "I would not change my drivers for any other pairing in the pitlane."

Button's teammate German Ralf Schumacher finished sixth to score a point.

However Button's fastest lap was timed at 1:16.379 seconds to Schumacher's 1:16.398.

"I feel I have really achieved something by finishing this race," said Button. "Now I am just looking forward to scoring a point. Maybe that will come in the next race at Imola.

"I certainly would like to have a few points on the board before we go to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. I did not make a good start and fell back a bit so my race did not really get going early on.

"It was probably the worst start I have ever made. I fell down to about 14th I think. So it was good to come through and finish seventh.

"The best part of my race was when I came up and passed (Arrows Dutch driver) Jos Verstappen. It takes a bit of effort and experience to get used to passing in such a high-speed car."