MAY 29, 2000

Jenson intercepted

BMW WILLIAMS F1 driver Jenson Button was stopped by French police over the weekend for speeding on the A9 autoroute near Montpellier. The 20-year-old Briton was on his way from the test at Nogaro to Monaco where he is due to be racing this week. According to French press reports Button was clocked at 141.67mph, which is considerably over the 80mph limit.

The police took Button to a local cash dispenser from which he got money to pay the on-the-sport 5000 Franc ($800) fine and he then continued on his way. The police reported that Button seemed like a nice young man and had said that he had not realized he was going that fast. They were also impressed by the fact that he offered to buy them a cup of coffee after visiting the bank.