Button clashes with Branson over girl

Jenson Button had a run-in with Richard Branson over approaches to his supermodel girlfriend Jessica Michibata, according to the News of the World.

Branson, 58, boss of new Brawn GP sponsor Virgin, is married but flirted openly with Michibata, 24, the paper said.

"Richard was clearly very, very drunk and took a shine to Jessica during the evening. But there was a misunderstanding and Jenson became angry," a source reportedly said.

"The whole thing got very, very heated. Richard thought Jenson was overreacting, and gave as good back. Both of them were livid."

The incident was said to have occurred at a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, a day after Branson had announced his deal to sponsor English driver Button's team. Button had earlier qualified on pole for the season-opening race and the next day secured a memorable triumph.

"This was before Jenson and the Brawn GP team won in Melbourne and Malaysia, and they were an untested team looking for sponsorship," the source added.

"So for Jenson to lose his rag at Richard, it was serious. But things were fine by the next day." Button, 28, won the second GP in Malaysia, which was shortened by a thunderstorm.