Ralf says 2002 important for Button.
Ralf Schumacher has said that former team-mate Jenson Button has to shine next year - or face losing his place in Formula One.
Button all but outshone the German on his debut season with Williams in 2000, but has struggled to match another of Schumacher's former team-mates, Giancarlo Fisichella, this year, having been farmed out to Benetton to make way for Juan Montoya.
Ralf Schumacher has said that former team-mate Jenson Button has to shine next year - or face losing his place in Formula One.
Button all but outshone the German on his debut season with Williams in 2000, but has struggled to match another of Schumacher's former team-mates, Giancarlo Fisichella, this year, having been farmed out to Benetton to make way for Juan Montoya.
Although the B201-Renault showed great improvements towards the end of the season, Button's job remains on the line while team boss Flavio Briatore decides whether he is the man to partner Jarno Trulli. Schumacher has now added his opinion to the mix, claiming that the Briton is still quick, but has to show he can do the job.
"He is definitely a lot quicker than he showed this year, but he has had a difficult time," he said, "In a way it had to come, as the British press put him under so much pressure, but I am sure that he will prove himself very soon. If not, he will not be with us for very long."
