Button agreed to a long-term deal when he entered the sport this year, and it is an increasing trend amongst beginners. Briatore himself has a similar arrangement with Jordan s Jarno Trulli, and new drivers into the sport, particularly those who are not experienced in playing hardball with their negotiations, normally agree to such arrangements. Trulli and Heinz-Harald Frentzen are confirmed for Jordan next year, continuing a partnership that many see as a strong one. Whilst this year has been tough because of niggles with Jordan s EJ10 racer, Team Boss Eddie Jordan is a stout fan of his drivers, and believes both can take his team to the next level. Two wins, achieved in 99 by Frentzen, is not enough for Jordan and his men the Irishman wants to compete with the big boys.
Consistency is a universal talent among the duo, as is the ability to qualify well.
Ralf Schumacher, who some say will be a future World Champion, will stay on for his third year at Williams. Again impressing his team and cynics this season, the brother of Double Champ Michael, is both a proficient qualifier and even better racer, shown aptly this year whilst helping BMW settle into its new works partnership with Grove. The German was erratic in his earlier years, but like good wine, he has improved with age. Jaguar will retain the services of Eddie Irvine for at least another few years, and the Irishman is committed to making the Milton-Keynes team successful. He has regularly qualified in the top ten this year, but early signs of promise in races have been ruined by poor reliability.