DR's warning to Jenson

Richards, speaking at the Autosport International Racing Car Show on Friday, was removed from the top job at BAR in November following Honda's acquisition of 45 percent of the operation and its subsequent desire to establish a fresh direction for the team.

"We had a very successful year," said Richards. "I was very happy, but the next challenge is going to be moving up the ladder.

"I think it is going to be a very difficult year for them [BAR-Honda]. I think McLaren and Williams will be stronger than last year, and Renault as well.

"I think Ferrari will be dominant and so the battle will be on for second
place. I think it will be a couple of years before the other teams can
challenge them."

Richards, fresh from a holiday and time with his family, is now concentrating on his specialist preparation company Prodrive's key projects, one of which is the Aston Martin GT1 Le Mans programme.

Asked if he missed being central to F1's power-broking he replied: "Do I look like I miss it?"