Motor Racing: BUTTON THE KING-MAKER

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Sep 4, 2005 | by BYRON YOUNG

JENSON BUTTON has been hailed as Formula 1's kingmaker ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Even though his own title hopes died long ago the 25-year-old BAR racer could be the decisive force in deciding who does become champion.

The growing pace of his BAR-Honda means he could steal places and points from runaway championship leader Fernando Alonso in the final five races.

This would hand Michael Schumacher's crown to rival Kimi Raikkonen.

While Button qualified third yesterday, right on the Spaniard's heels, the Finn's chances were dealt a blow when the engine failed for the third time in six races. Rather than starting on pole, where he qualified, an engine change penalty demotes him to 11th on the grid. McLaren's rollercoaster season continued but Alonso was serenity itself. He starts second alongside Juan Pablo Montoya in the other McLaren. With a 24-point cushion the Spaniard can win the title by finishing fourth in every race so the Finn must rely on the bit-part players to rescue him.

And a white charger with BAR-Honda on it is certainly on the way.

Honda are developing a new engine to go with aerodynamic revisions planned by BAR technical director Geoff Willis.

"We are the key to the championship," said Button. "We are competitive here and will improve in the last three races.

"We will have a new aero package for Spa and be very strong at the last two circuits as we were last year. Renault will be very worried about those two in particular."

Williams look set to switch to Michelin next season ahead of the French tyre supplier quitting the sport at the end of 2006.

HOW THEY LINE UP

1 J.P.Montoya, McLaren 1:21.054

2 F.Alonso, Renault 1:21.319

3 J.Button, BAR 1:21.369

4 T.Sato, BAR 1:21.477

5 J.Trulli, Toyota 1:21.640

6 M.Schumacher, Ferrari 1:21.721

7 R.Barrichello, Ferrari 1:21.962

8 G.Fisichella, Renault 1:22.068

9 R.Schumacher, Toyota 1:22.266

10 D.Coulthard, Red Bull 1:22.304

11 K.Raikkonen, McLaren * 1:20.878

12 J.Villeneuve, Sauber 1:22.356

13 C.Klien, Red Bull 1:22.532

14 M.Webber, Williams 1:22.560

15 F.Massa, Sauber 1:23.060

16 A.Pizzonia, Williams 1:23.291

17 T.Monteiro, Jordan 1:24.666

18 R.Doornbos, Minardi 1:24.904

19 N.Karthikeyan, Jordan 1:25.859

20 C.Albers, Minardi 1:26.964

*

Raikkonen will start in 11th place after incurring a penalty.

DRIVERS' CHAMP

DRIVER PTS

1 F.Alonso, Renault 95

2 K.Raikkonen, McLaren 71

3 M.Schumacher, Ferrari 55

5 J.P.Montoya, McLaren 40

4 J.Trulli, Toyota 39

8 G.Fisichella, Renault 35

6 R.Schumacher, Toyota 32

7 R.Barrichello, Ferrari 31

9 N.Heidfeld, Williams 28

10 M.Webber, Williams 24

11 J.Button, BAR 23

12 D.Coulthard, Red Bull 21

13 F.Massa, Sauber 8

14 T.Monteiro, Jordan 6

A.Wurz, McLaren 6

J.Villeneuve, Sauber 6

15 N.Karthikeyan, Jordan 5

C.Klien, Red Bull 5

16 C Albers, Minardi 4

P de la Rosa, McLaren 4

17 P Friesacher, Minardi 3

18 V Liuzzi, Red Bull 1

T Sato, BAR 1

19 R Doornbos, Jordan 0