Honda aiming for the title in 2007

Sporting director Gil de Ferran believes that stability on the driving front should be a bonus for the Japanese car manufacturer as they look to build on the momentum of their strong finish to the 2006 campaign.

"Both Jenson and Rubens, I think are in a position to fight for the championship," said de Ferran on the Central Stage at the Autosport International Show. "And the fact that they are with us for a second season is a positive, and for a second season together is a positive - they learn each other.

"Rubens learned how the team operate and, as you saw, our performance in the latter part of the year, it was a team well coordinated I would say and hopefully this will carry on."

De Ferran has said he welcomes the fact that Button's performances are gaining more appreciation now following his maiden victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix last year.

"I think that weekend (Hungary) will stay in my mind for a long time as the weekend that all the people were able to see the abilities that we could see in Jenson.

"I guess when you work with the guy all the time, you look at his data and what he does in the car, I gained a greater admiration for Jenson the closer I got to him.

"I saw the way he drove the car and his attitude to the team and so Hungary was the opportunity to show to the world what he could do as a driver. And hopefully in the future he will have more opportunity."

He added: "Jenson today is certainly one of the top F1 drivers on the grid and a very accomplished driver, a very experienced driver. He has got it all. He is aggressive, fast, knows how to deal with the team and understands the car very well. His level is very high indeed."

And although Barrichello was outscored by Button last year, de Ferran is convinced the Brazilian will show better form in 2007.

"I think Rubens brought a lot to the team," said the Brazilian. "He had a lot of things to adapt to when he moved to our team. The tyres were very different to what he was used to, many of the systems in the car were very different to what he was used to, but he brought a lot to the team.

"He is a very fast driver. Rubens is a driver who knows exactly what he needs to be quick, so he was precise with the engineers about what was needed to help and improve.

"He is a fantastic driver and a driver who has driven for some great teams, Ferrari first and foremost."