Button: I'm the Best Driver on the Grid

Jenson Button has claimed he is a better driver than World Champion Michael Schumacher ahead of Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.

BAR-Honda driver Button, who has shot up the order this season with five podiums in the last six races, believes Schumacher is only ahead because he has the best car on the grid.

"As a driver I think I am the best on the grid," said the 24-year old Briton, who is yet to score his first F1 win. "If I have the equipment to win I will win, whoever my competition is. I've no worries.

"I still think we're probably a long way behind Ferrari but you have to admire his (Schumacher's) consistency - although when you are in the best machinery it is a lot easier. If you look at Ayrton (Senna) when Alain (Prost) came along he didn't have a choice as to who his teammate was. That was pretty amazing to be able to perform when you've the other best driver in the world alongside you.

"With Ferrari now it is difficult to say. I think they get the same equipment, but nobody knows do they. Michael is just doing the best he can and he has won because he has been the best driver at the time."

Schumacher has helped to build up a strong team at Ferrari since he joined in 1996 and has won the last four World Championships after turning the under-performing Italian giants into regular winners. Button is hoping to develop a similar situation at BAR-Honda after joining them at the start of last year.

After the departure of Canadian former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve at the end of last year he has blossomed in the role of team leader and moved into third place in the Championship behind Ferrari pair Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

Japanese driver Takuma Sato, who missed out on his maiden podium after a collision with Barrichello in the last race in Germany, is becoming stronger with every race. But Button has no worries about beating Sato and said he hopes his teammate improves his consistency to help the team take the fight to second-placed Renault in the Constructors' Championship.

"He's been quick all year, it's just that he hasn't seemed to get it completely together in the race and qualifying," said Button. "At the Nurburgring he did a really good job.

"It's good to have both of us in with a possibility of scoring points which we need because we are dropping behind Renault. His speed has always been there and at the Nurburgring he showed he is capable of being on the podium."

Button, who claimed his maiden pole position at the San Marino Grand Prix in April believes their car, helped by an engine improvement this weekend, could give him the chance of starting from the front once again.

"Over one lap we seem to be quick but in the race we're a long way behind Michael," said Button. "I fancy my chances of another pole - that would be great - but pole is only fantastic as long as you are on the correct strategy."