[JPMontoya]

Briatore drops Button hint

According to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, Renault boss Flavio Briatore has hinted that Jenson Button could remain with the team next year.

Previously it had been thought that Button would be ousted at the end of the year when his contract expires, possibly in favour of test driver Fernando Alonso, but it seems that the Englishman's strong start to the season has made him a near certainty to be retained.

"We will see," said Briatore when asked about Button's future. "I believe at this moment it is very early to predict anything.

"It is difficult to say what will happen because Williams has the option on him for 2003."

After a tough season spent in Giancarlo Fisichella's shadow in 2000, 22-year- old Button has bounced back in style this season, scoring two fourth places (equalling his best F1 result) and generally getting the better of his highly regarded team-mate Jarno Trulli.

SOURCE : autosport.com