JENSON Button was forced into retirement for the second time in his three-race career by a blown engine - but his hopes are high for Silver- stone.

The 20-year-old was sidelined in the San Marino Grand Prix, at Imola, after just five laps when the engine of his BMW Williams gave up, this time after just five laps.

"It's a shame I didn't finish, but now I can look forward to racing at the British Grand prix," he said. "It is going to be a great weekend competing in my home race for the first time."

His teammate Ralf Schumacher, who qualified fifth fastest, went out on lap 46 while running in fifth place.

Jacques Villeneuve was the top local finisher, taking fifth place for Brackley-based British American Racing.

The Enstone-built Benettons of Alexander Wurz and Giancarlo Fisichella were ninth and 11th, and Ricardo Zonta in the second Honda-powered BAR was 12th.

Dutchman Jos Verstappen finished 14th for the Supertec-powered Orange Arrows, from Leafield. His teammate Pedro de la Rosa went out on lap 50.

Story date: Tuesday 11 April

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