BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Button cleared for BAR tests

Jenson Button will test for British American Racing in Spain next month after reports that his former employers had blocked his debut were denied.

Button was said to have been sidelined until January because Renault were holding him to his contract, which does not run out until 31 December.

But BAR insisted on Friday that Button will be in Jerez for a two-day test after Renault claimed they had never even been asked to release him from his contract.

"There is no problem, Jenson will test on 13 and 14 December," said a spokeswoman for Brackley-based BAR.

Button will be keen to get a feel for the BAR car before testing begins in earnest for the 2003 season, which is an important one for the 22-year-old Englishman.

Button outscored Renault team-mate Jarno Trulli by five points last season to finish a career-best seventh in the championship.

But it did not stop him losing his place to young Spaniard Fernando Alonso.

Enrique Bernoldi
Bernoldi has been linked with a move to Jordan

The 2003 campaign will be Button's fourth since he was given his grand prix break by Williams in 2000, though he is still looking for his first podium finish.

Meanwhile Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi, who was with struggling Arrows last season, has joined Jordan's list of prospective drivers for 2003.

Jordan currently have experienced main driver Giancarlo Fisichella of Italy under contract, along with Japanese 2002 rookie Takuma Sato.

But the team has said the choice of second driver will be influenced by commercial considerations.

Jordan are seeking sponsorship after their title backer Deutsche Post decided to quit the sport.

Bernoldi is backed by Austrian energy drink company Red Bull, which first sponsored him as a Sauber test driver and then in his move to Arrows.

Red Bull also sponsors Sauber and is currently backing a programme to bring promising American drivers to European racing and possibly to Formula One.

Jordan have also been talking to Eddie Irvine, who was released by Jaguar, and Brazilian Felipe Massa, who was dropped by Sauber at the end of the season.


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