Highlights

Ecstatic Button no longer the nearly-man

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-07 16:41

BUDAPEST, Aug 6 - Never again will Jenson Button be asked when, or indeed if, he is ever going to win a grand prix.

Never again will the Briton have to endure endless questions about all those starts without success, about whether perhaps the hype outweighs the hope and whether he really has what it takes.

The doubts were laid to rest in Hungary on Sunday, as the 26-year-old raced through the rain -- from 14th place on the starting grid -- to join the likes of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso in the Formula One winners' circle at last.

After 113 starts, the Honda driver stepped up to the top of the podium at the same circuit that witnessed championship-winning compatriot Damon Hill's first win in 1993 and Nigel Mansell's title the previous year.

Only Italian Jarno Trulli (with 117 starts) and Button's Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello (124) had gone longer before their first victories.

The monkey was truly off the Briton's back and, soaked in champagne, the first Briton to win a grand prix in more than three years lapped up the applause.

"It's an amazing feeling. Those last 10 laps, when I was leading with a 40 second lead, were the best laps of my career.

"Just to sit there and relax, and know I didn't have to push too hard. I could let it sink in.

"It was really enjoyable. To come from 14th and win a race here, in these conditions, is the perfect way to win your first race," he said.

"It's great to get that first win after so long. It's obviously a great feeling for myself and the team but its good that I won't have to do those interviews any more where they say 'You've done 113 grand prix and you haven't had a win.'"

"It takes a weight off my shoulders, because I do read the interviews now and again."

HAPPY FATHER

For much of the year, after the false dawn of pre-season testing, Button has been telling all who will listen that Honda have a long way to go before they can win in a championship dominated by Renault and Ferrari.