rpm.espn.com: Jenson Button

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Friday, November 30

Jenson Button
ESPN.com

Team: Renault (formerly Benetton)
Nationality: England

Jenson Button
Button

STATS

Year
Rank
Wins
Poles
Podium
Best finish

2001 17 0 0 0 5th, Germany

Career 0 0 0 4th, Germany (2000)

2001 Recap
The Good: There wasn't much good to report for Button in 2001. Once considered "the next big thing" after a standout debut with Williams in 2000, the Brit's star faded with a poor season with Benetton.

Season Highlight: Button scored his only points of the season with a strong fifth-place showing at Germany. The good effort came at the same event where he posted his career-best finish of fourth in 2000 with Williams.

The Bad: Button was regularly outqualified by teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, who also scored eight points. Team boss Flavio Briatore says Button enjoyed the high life -- and all the toys that come with it -- too much and lost focus on his driving duties.

Season Lowlight: Button's season-long battle with Fisichella hit its lowest point at Belgium. Fisichella looked strong and claimed the team's only podium finish of the season, while Button crashed out and did not finish.

After a great debut in 2000, Jenson Button struggled mightily with Benetton in 2001.

Key Stat: Button came to Benetton from Williams on a two-year loan and managed to score just two points in 17 races in 2001.

2002 Outlook
What needs to be done: Button needs to step it up, or he's gone. Unfortunately, it's as simple as that. Briatore has warned if Button's performance doesn't improve in 2002, he could be out of Formula One. Fernando Alonso has been signed to test for Renault, which should put a little more pressure on Button.

Prediction: Fisichella has gone to Jordan, but Button will have his hands full trying to compete with new teammate, Jarno Trulli. Renault's technical director, Mike Gascoyne, promises his cars will be among the lead pack next year. If Button can't make that happen, he won't be around long.

Your Take
Do you think Button is a flash in the pan? Or do you think he just ran into a sophomore jinx? Will he rebound in 2002? Let us know what you think. We asked for your thoughts on whether Button was a flash in the pan or if he just suffered through a sophomore jinx? You read what we think, now check out your take on Button, his past season or his future outlook.

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