Barrichello: BAR can be Champions

The Brazilian signed for the outfit while Button's future was uncertain, and he is now overjoyed that BAR have won the fight to keep the Briton on board.

"I am very happy because I think now the team has a true chance of becoming World Champions," he said at Interlagos ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"(We have) two drivers with the full potential of becoming World Champion, the backing of Honda and BAR and everything, I think that it is good we have two drivers capable of winning. I am delighted.

"I was really hoping he could stay with the team so now he is going to have some hard work in November and December, when I am off, and then he is taking January off and I will be working."

Barrichello will not be able to test for BAR in December because his contract with Ferrari does not run out until the end of the year - and the team are not willing to let him go before then.

With the winter testing ban lasting from the end of the season until the start of December, it means that Barrichello will have a lengthy holiday after the season.

"I cannot drive for two months, obviously, and I will be just introducing myself to my son, so he doesn't think of me as just a piece of paper. After three months he might recognise me, so it is going to be okay."