Button plays down fears of Hamilton rivalry

Jenson Button

(GMM) Jenson Button insists he has time to forge a good relationship with Lewis Hamilton prior to the start of the 2010 season.

F1's most recent world champions, both English, will be paired at McLaren next season, and the domestic press is already hinting at a likely tense battle for team supremacy.

"I haven't really spoken to Lewis," 2009 title winner Button conceded to the Daily Express newspaper. "We had a little chat at an awards ceremony about a week ago, but there is a lot of time, don't worry.

"The first time I drive the car is February 1 or 2," he added.

On the other hand, Button said he is already well advanced in terms of adjusting to the Woking based squad, after seven consecutive years with the same BAR/Honda/Brawn team.

"I have spoken to a lot of team members and we are all very positive for next season," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.

Referring then to Hamilton, Button added: "The partnership will be good to start with, as it always is, and we will work together throughout the season to build a good car. But on circuit, we will be fierce rivals."