BMW-Williams to block Button's rally plans

BMW-WILLIAMS said on Thursday that it is unlikely young Briton Jenson Button will be allowed to try his hand at rallying - because it could pose a danger to his career.

Button was expected to take part in the Race of Champions in Gran Canaria in December as a member of the British team in the Nations Cup.

Organizers expected 20-year-old Button to join World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen, MotoGP youngster Valentino Rossi and ex-F1 driver Emmanuele Pirro in competing on the Spanish island.

But team spokesperson Nav Sidhu said that Button's participation in the event is unlikely because of the dangers rallying bring.

"Contrary to expectation, Williams F1 are unlikely to allow Jenson to participate in an event that inevitably brings added danger," Sidhu said.

"At that time he will be expected to be channelling his efforts on his preparations for the 2001 season."