Richards Hopes Drivers Friction will Benefit BAR

BAR team principal David Richards believes he is capable of managing the tense relationship between Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve and said the rivalry can be good for the team.

Button is joining the team this season after two years with Benetton/Renault. After the launch of the new BAR last month, Canadian Villeneuve said that his new BAR teammate Button had yet to earn his respect. The 1997 World Champion said that the Briton needed to raise his game and prove his mental resilience in Formula One.

Button, who made his Grand Prix debut with Williams in 2000, responded to Villeneuve's comments by claiming he was not at the Brackley-based outfit to earn his teammate's respect. That has been followed by further exchange of words, and Richards believes the friction between the two could prove beneficial for the team.

"I think if it's managed properly it can be regarded as healthy competition," Richards told Press Association. "I was with Jenson the last couple of days in Spain where he was testing and we discussed it. It's mostly come from Jacques' side, and Jacques is renowned for his forthright views and speaks his mind about things.

"I asked Jenson how he was getting on, and anything between him and Jacques that I needed to be involved in, and he said: 'No, not an issue, really. Jacques just doesn't speak to me.' I don't wish to sort of exaggerate the situation now. I think what Jenson meant by that is they are not talking in a social sense and spending their lives in each other's pockets.

"Certainly when they sit down on the track they talk about the car and the development. It always takes time for these relationships to build up as well, and to build respect and to understand how the other person works as well, so I don't think of that as a problem at all.

"And we have seen teams built around great relationships that work very well, and we have seen other equally successful teams built with a bit of friction, and I have no issue in managing either of those. Certainly one will be easier than the other, but if there is to be a little bit of friction in the team then I will manage that process."