Formula One manufacturers Benetton have dismissed safety claims and insisted that Jenson Button will be able to start the first grand prix of the new season. Concerns had been expressed that the cars of Button and former world champion Jacques Villeneuve - who drives for BAR - were believed to be among eight Formula One hopefuls whose cars have failed stringent tests.
Four construction teams are thought to be affected, although Max Mosley, president of Formula One's governing body FIA, has refused to confirm the names of the teams involved. However, in a statement Benetton confirmed that their cars had been given the all-clear, ruling out any possibility of Button being sidelined in Australia.
It stated: “Contrary to reports in the media today, the Mild Seven Benetton Renault Sport team would like to clarify that not only did the B201 pass the side-impact chassis crash test last week at the first attempt, but that all necessary crash tests have also been passed. The team is therefore fully prepared to compete in the Formula One World Championship that begins next weekend in Australia.”
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
