Jenson Button suffers two cracked ribs

By Phil Huff
November 24 2006

Top British driver Jenson Button has suffered some cracked ribs in a karting incident during the winter break, Honda Racing F1 revealed today.

The hairline cracks are serious enough to keep Jenson off testing duty for next week, leaving the team to rely on Rubens Barrichello, new signing Christian Klien, and James Rossiter.

Button got the fractures during a scheduled karting event, seemingly part of his planned winter fitness regime.

Cracked ribs are not particularly serious, and there's very rarely any treatment. Strapping of the ribs relieves pain, but causes problems with lung movement. As such, Jenson's just got to take a few painkillers and refrain from being too active. Testing would certainly aggravate the condition, hence his standing down.

Rumours that Jenson was seen with Juan Pablo Montoya near a tennis court are unfounded.