APRIL 29, 2001

Button allays injury fears

BENETTON driver Jenson Button has dispelled rumors that he will take a break from Formula One following the Spanish Grand Prix.

The rumors first erupted when Button's manager David Robertson warned Button that he may need a rest if the shoulder injury got any worse, saying: "If it gets a lot worse it is possible he might miss the Austrian Grand Prix. We will have to look after the race."

But Button, 21 and on loan to Benetton from Williams, said: "I am feeling much better than I was and it is getting much better all the time."

The area between the collarbone and the shoulder has now swelled and the Benetton car's lack of power steering has made the injury more difficult to cope with.

"I am taking anti inflammatory pills and have been wearing a support around my shoulder," he added. "It is not an excuse for the lap times here but it doesn't make life easy."

Button was also assured by his physiotherapist that the injury is healing well and that although he may need a little rest, he should not experience any serious problems.