Jaguar turn to champ Lauda

Triple world champion Niki Lauda is returning to Formula One. Lauda, who drove for Ferrari and McLaren, is to become chief executive of a newly-created Premier Performance Division, including Jaguar, engine-maker Cosworth and Pi electronics.

His job will be to fire up the Jaguar team which had a disappointing debut season in 2000, winning only four championship points. Lauda, 51, will also act as a link between Jaguar team principal Bobby Rahal and parent-company Ford.

Meanwhile, Jenson Button has been told not to expect to challenge for the world title this year.

The 21-year-old Brit, who has joined Benetton on a two-year loan spell from Williams, was warned by team chief Flavio Briatore today: "Winning the championship in 2001 is not our goal. Our aim is to put in the right people with the right tools to lay the foundations for the future."

Button finished eighth in the drivers' championship on his debut year last season.