By Phil Huff
December 5 2006

Jenson Button is to sit out of Formula One for the rest of the year as he recovers from the cracked ribs he suffered in a karting event, part of his winter fitness programme. Already forced to miss the opening round of winter testing at Barcelona, Honda have confirmed that Button will also be absent from this week's Jerez test. We understand that he'll also be avoiding the final test of the year next week before returning in January.

The team will continue testing with team mate Rubens Barrichello, alongside new signing Christian Klien and young driver James Rossiter.

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 still unfounded.