Button confident in BAR

Speaking on stage at AUTOSPORT International, Button was confident that BAR would be able to challenge Ferrari, Williams and McLaren at the front of the field.

"I think things could be very close this season between Ferrari, Williams and McLaren. It's going to be a very close season - and BAR is going to be pushing them as well. You might not believe me, but we are going to be. You never know until the first race, but we're very positive that we're going to be challenging for race wins. Winning races is my main aim."

Button's ultimate goal remains the world championship, but he has set slightly less ambitious aims for 2004.

"For me, winning the world championship is the main thing. It's not going to happen this year - well, it's very unlikely. But we can get close to that. For me, second or fifth or seventh in the championship doesn't make much difference. It's the team that I'm thinking about more than anything else. Third in the championship would be mega, and I do think it's possible."

During testing at Jerez yesterday (Friday), BAR designer Geoff Willis gave his opinion on the radical nose of the Williams FW26, and described the 2004 BAR as "a sexy lady."

"I only heard that today but it's great, isn't it?" said Button. "Normally when cars look good they're very fast. There are a few exceptions - like probably the Williams. Actually, I went skiing last week, and you see that sort of nose quite often on the snowploughs out there. I think maybe they spent some time out in Whistler."