JULY 5, 2000

Button tests for BMW-Williams at re-vamped Estoril

JENSON BUTTON started testing for his BMW-Williams team at a re-vamped Estoril circuit on Wednesday and called for it to become a Grand Prix circuit once again.

Estoril has not hosted a Portuguese Grand Prix since 1996, but after developments were made in the last year, BMW-Williams opted to use the circuit for a three-day test this week.

"With a few changes it would be good to see Formula One race here again," said Button, who clocked a fastest lap of one minute and 23.727 seconds.

"It is a fairly slow circuit and also quite bumpy, but all in all I think it's pretty good. On the exit of most corners it's going off cambers and that caused a bit of wheelspin."

Button concentrated on different engine and car set-ups and will be joined on Thursday at the track by team-mate Ralf Schumacher.