Davidson Warns Button of Tough Year Ahead

Briton Jenson Button must use mind games to defeat his new British American Racing teammate Jacques Villeneuve next year - according to BAR's test driver Anthony Davidson.

Button left the Renault team at the end of the season and was praised by team bosses after a successful debut in the Honda-powered car at a pre-season test in Spain this month. But Davidson, a karting rival of Button and now BAR's test driver, believes Button's only chance of being the team's top dog is to use the unpopularity of out-of-favour Villeneuve to get the team on his side.

"I really would not want to be in his shoes," said Davidson. "He knows this year is going to be tough. It will be interesting to see how he copes because Villeneuve will be on it. He needs to get the team around him because that is the only way he will get on.

"Jenson has (already tested), so, so far, he has fitted in really well and he is already on the right track."

Villeneuve won the World Championship for Williams in 1997 but has failed to win a race in five years and has already admitted another failure next year could end his Grand Prix career.

The Canadian is known for his sharp attitude and the team are already lining up Japanese driver Takuma Sato as a possible replacement for 2004.

But Davidson believes that the pressure will only fire up Villeneuve even more - and admitted that the outspoken Canadian could upset the 'happy family' that has now developed without him at BAR.

"It's good to have Jenson and Taku here because at least we will have three of us who get on next year," said Davidson, pointing out Villeneuve's unpopularity. "Let's just hope he doesn't upset things."