Button Can Win in Monaco, Says Richards

BAR-Honda chief David Richards believes the team can hit back after a disappointing race in Spain and claims Jenson Button has the potential to win the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time.

World Champion Michael Schumacher has tipped Button to provide a challenge this season, but the Briton suffered a setback in Barcelona after a mistake in qualifying. While Schumacher continued his domination with his 75th career win, Button started from 14th and only managed to score one point for eighth place.

But Richards is confident Button could yet prevent the German from beating the current season-opening record run, set by Nigel Mansell in 1992, with an upset triumph on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.

"I think he was really on the pace in qualifying, but you ask a driver to drive on the edge and stick the car on pole position and, you know, you have to live with the mistakes as well," said Richards. "He hadn't made any mistakes this year at all, he has been quite phenomenal, and I am very impressed, I have to say.

"I would rather he makes the mistake here on a wide circuit than he makes a mistake in Monaco in the narrow streets. I can honestly tell you this team is taking pressure in its stride. It doesn't regard one-off situations and we think two weeks and we are back in the frame again.

"We have got to continue the solid progress we made at the start of the season and I really think there is a very good chance for him (to win in Monaco). He feels very positive."

Richards believes the ability to step up a level this season has proved Button has the talent to go far, claiming: "Who is going to be the first driver to break Michael's record? Jenson Button. Ferrari are a pretty solid bunch in every respect and Michael is pretty invincible, pretty awesome and beating him to the title is going to be a big challenge for anyone now.

"Things change overnight. It is a very fickle business, but certainly the real interesting thing now is who is going to be the first driver to break Michael's record. I will buy you all a pint of beer when Jenson does it."

Button's teammate Takuma Sato proved BAR was still on the pace when he qualified in third place, but he failed to convert his grid position to his first podium and ended the race fifth. His partnership with Button has gelled well since it began, inadvertently, at his home race in Japan last year when Jacques Villeneuve walked out with one race of the season left to go and Richards sees him as a vital part of the team.

"It was a faultless drive and you have to pat him on the back and say that he is wisely raising stature all the time," said Richards. "He is gaining some real momentum now."