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Button 'best in the wet' - Villeneuve

ESPNF1 Staff
April 29, 2010 « Williams increases stake in its KERS company | »
Jacques Villeneuve: 'Jenson was always quick in the rain but now he's becoming increasingly recognised as the best in the field' © Sutton Images
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Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve said Jenson Button is now the best driver in the wet, and it is that which has has given him the world championship lead.

"Jenson was always quick in the rain but now he's becoming increasingly recognised as the best in the field," he said. "Michael [Scumacher] always had that reputation in the past but I think Jenson has passed him now in the minds of observers.

"But I also don't forget about Alonso, who did an exceptional race on the wet track of Shanghai."

Villeneuve, who had a less than cordial relationship with Button when they were team-mates at BAR in 2003, also praised the decision to move from Brawn to McLaren. "To change teams and stay among the best shows that it was no fluke … I am really happy for him."

Inevitably, he was asked about Schumacher's comeback, and he admitted his was "disappointed" with what he had seen so far. "This is his first big disappointment. He did well at first for a guy who has not raced for three years, but then the results were disappointing.

"Even in the rain, which is recognised as Michael's favorite conditions, Rosberg controlled it in a big way Michael is useful even if he's not winning, and nobody can take away his seven titles or that he is one of the best in history. And when Rosberg beats him with the same equipment, it cements Nico's reputation much more than if he were beating someone else."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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