DECEMBER 6, 2000
Button confident after first day
JENSON BUTTON completed his first day in a Benetton at the Spanish circuit of Jerez on Tuesday and insisted his desire to succeed next year is even higher than in his debut season with BMW-Williams.
Button was ninth quickest behind fellow Briton David Coulthard, who set the fastest time on an intriguing day when nine of the 11 teams which will begin the season-opener in Australia on March 4 started their preparations for the new campaign.
But Button admitted that he felt under no pressure as he finished the session with a quicker time than Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, the man who usurped him from his seat at the Grove-based Williams team.
"My motivation is definitely higher than this time last year because I have got a lot more experience," Button said. "I am not going to a new circuit every other week not knowing what it is going to be like.
"I am more confident now and more confident in the team. I can make more demands this year because I know a lot more.
"I came on the circuit behind Montoya so we effectively did a lap together and it was interesting because I was quicker than him. I think I did a good job.
"It was good to get used to the car and we made a few positive changes throughout the day. I have driven four Formula One cars now and I feel like a veteran.
"It would be nice to finish the season ahead of Montoya but I would prefer to finish above Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen."