Chilled Button raises his worth.

Jenson Button is perhaps the only man in the paddock not too worried about his Formula One future.

After another mature drive through the field - and the adverse conditions - in Germany, the 20-year old added another three points to his points tally, and probably added to his financial value as well. Button has gone from media darling to the centre of speculation in the space of half his debut season, but now looks to be emerging at the other end with renewed confidence and most of the paddock seeking a signature.

He claims that, when news broke of his impending departure from Williams, two-thirds of the Formula One entry had wanted to 'have a word with him', and is expected to reveal his choice of 2001 destination before the next race in Hungary. Those who believe they have the inside track place Button firmly at Benetton next season, although the possibility of a seat at either Jaguar or BAR remains.

''I know I have something good lined up for next year, whatever happens,'' he admits, ''I am relaxed and happy, and wish everyone else would just chill out and relax too. I can't tell you exactly what I am doing, but it is an excellent decision for me if it happens.''

Benetton boss Flavio Briatore has become a fan of Button's since he returned to take charge of the Enstone team this season, and has made no secret of his desire to sign the Briton following a drive to fifth - again from the back of the grid - in Austria two weeks ago. He may, however, now find that the asking price has risen, following yesterday's outing at Hockenheim.

''The deal is not done yet, but we are very impressed with him,'' Briatore admitted, ''He is a very good driver, very fast and also very intelligent. He would learn a lot with Benetton and Renault.''

Briatore did, however, tell an ITV interview that he thought the youngster was surrounded by too many 'interested parties', and that this had both made dealing difficult and artificially inflated his 'asking price'.

Button is expected to be replaced at Williams by CART champion Juan Pablo Montoya next season.

[Source: Reuters Newsnet]