FEBRUARY 4, 2001

Button to take cautious approach to title

BRITON Jenson Button has said he will err on the side of caution in his bid to become a Formula One world champion - but promised it will definitely happen.

Button, now with Benetton, is reluctant to make any predictions for his first season with the Enstone-based team but he is convinced he will be a champion in the future.

"I'm out to surprise people, but in the right way," Button told British newspaper THE MAIL ON SUNDAY. "People want me to say I'm going to win this or that, but I really haven't a clue how I'll get on this season.

"I'm more cautious these days. I've said some things in the past I regret. But can I be world champion? Oh, sure. No question."

Button admitted he regards Michael Schumacher as the man to beat in the sport again this season and said he has the utmost respect for Ferrari's German driver.

He added: "Michael is the best driver in the world. I really respect him and there has to be respect on all sides.

"Formula One drivers are so different to footballers. There are only 22 of us on the planet. Each of us knows how difficult it is to get where we are."