Tuesday February 22nd, 2000

Williams driver Jenson Button will miss testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain this week because of a back injury, the team said on Tuesday.

Button, at 20 the youngest driver in Formula One, pulled a muscle in his back during a routine fitness session at the weekend. He was advised to rest for a few days following a hospital examination.

Williams said the damage was not serious and the British driver was expected to make his world championship debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 12.

Test driver Bruno Junqueira will take over Jenson's duties at Jerez on Thursday and Friday.