Button Looking to Consolidate BAR at the Top

Briton Jenson Button says his BAR-Honda team will need to show they can stay at the top of the Formula One field their strong 2004 season.

BAR, who entered the sport in 1999 and were for so long Formula One's under-achievers, finished as runners-up to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship after Button scored 10 podium finishes.

Despite one pole position, however, Button failed to finish on top of the podium all year long. But the Briton feels confident his mainde win is not far away.

"I am very much looking forward to the start of the season and getting back to racing," said Button. "2005 will be a very important year for BAR as a team, to prove that 2004 wasn't just a one-off. We need to show that we are a consistent top team and again can challenge McLaren and Ferrari for podiums.

"Winter testing has been very encouraging and I have done more mileage in this testing period than ever before. The car has shown good reliability, as has the engine, which is very important considering the new engine regulations whereby one engine must last for two races.

"Michelin is also doing a great job. We have been working very closely with them and the progress we have made with the tyres will make a big difference when we kick off the season in Melbourne. I am hoping, as are the team, that our first win is just around the corner."

Button is staying with BAR in 2005 despite agreeing to return to rivals Williams, the team with which he made his debut in 2000, before the end of last season. BAR, however, disputed the move and the Briton was forced to stay until his contract runs out.