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IT SAYS MUCH about the predictable nature of Formula One that Jenson Button's future is proving a more earnest talking point in the Magny-Cours paddock than the chances of Michael Schumacher winning the world championship this afternoon. Renault stole much of Schumacher's limelight, at least from a British point of view, by announcing yesterday that Button will be replaced next year by Fernando Alonso.
It matters little that the 20-year-old Spaniard is managed by Flavio Briatore, who also uses his sometimes intemperate methods to run the Renault team. The net result is that Button, prematurely hailed as a future world champion by an over-enthusiastic management team in 2000, is being passed round the paddock like a tray of cakes, Sauber and BAR heading the list of mid-fielders interested in the Englishman as he searches for his third team in four seasons.
There is a sad irony about Button's dilemma on a weekend when Schumacher, second fastest in qualifying yesterday, is set to secure his place in history by equalling Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five world titles.
Schumacher's measured progress into F1 was in stark contrast to Button's hurried arrival, one that now appears to have led to the squandering of a superb talent before it was ready for the ruthless pressure of grand prix racing.
Button's struggle with the recalcitrant Benetton-Renault last year highlighted his inexperience, but excellent performances in a much-improved...