Button might not want to leave BAR now

David Richards believes BAR stands a much greater chance of keeping Jenson Button after Honda bought into the team today. Button tried to use a loophole in the deal between Honda and BAR for engines next season when he attempted to move to Williams for 2005.

“I certainly hope he would consider that. I’m sure that when he sees the performance of the car next year and the team next year he will realize there are great foundations here and a great team of people to go forward with. “That’s something for him to address and I don’t suppose he’ll be making that decision in the short term, he’ll wait to see how next season pans out."

“The car will be extremely competitive next year. Honda have done a great job on the new engine and the chassis is looking good. “I think that the elusive win we were looking for this year is just around the corner. “Despite everyone expecting Ferrari to be extremely strong next year, there is every chance BAR can challenge them right the way down the line next year. The arrival of Honda and their investment clearly is a very solid and positive sign for the team," he said. “With Honda’s commitment to the team – a wind tunnel starts building here on Monday – and other investment from them in the long term, it means everyone here now has total security of their jobs with the Formula One team going forward."