Button First In Race To Oz.

Jenson Button became the first driver to sample the Australian GP course at Albert Park this season, but had to face further criticism about his decision to jump straight to Formula One after just two season of car racing.


The 20-year old Briton received his first taste of Melbourne from the comparative comfort of an official limousine, before posing for pictures with a BMW Z3 on behalf of his Williams team's engine supplier. The chance to drive the sportscar around the circuit he will tackle for the first time on Thursday was ruled out by the fact that Button was too young to be covered by local insurance!


Back at home, however, another former GP star attacked Button's decision to join the top flight. British driver turned ITV commentator Martin Brundle suggested that Williams' protege was taking a big gamble jumping straight from F3 - despite having it himself almost 20 years ago.


"A year in Formula Ford and a year in F3 do not equip you to handle what F1 throws at you," Brundle to the Sunday Express newspaper, "and a few test drives at Barcelona is no guide. [Jenson] is a talented kid with great ability - that is clear from talking to people who know him - but it is too early for him. Not just by a season, but by two or three years.


"I don't want to dwell on this, but there is an awful lot of attention on Jenson, and I just hope that he gets through it all for the sake of his career, and for the lad himself. People say that he could not have turned [Williams' offer] down, but perhaps he should have had that advice. Where is the risk in saying 'no' when you are young and talented."


Button appeared unfazed by another round of criticism over his decision, following similar attacks from Jackie Stewart and Jody Scheckter.


"I will let my driving do the talking," he told journalists in Melbourne.