Britain’s Jenson Button will be looking forward to the coming season knowing that it could be his last chance to prove himself as a true championship contender. He needs desperately to win races this season to build up for the Honda promise of a world championship winning car by 2009.
Button has an incredible natural ability and its a joy to watch him race when he is at one with his car, nobody in motor racing would possibly under rate his immense talent. But failure to impress this season would surely remove him from the chance of a world championship title for good.
The omens are good for Button, Honda did some excellent business in bringing former Ferrari Technical Director Ross Brawn in, as team principal, last November. They also have new personnel in aerodynamics, design and engineering, in place.
Brawn who masterminded six consecutive World Championships for Ferrari, has said it is Honda’s goal to have a car capable of winning races this year, with a world championship capable version available by 2009. He has also said “If we give Jenson a car then he’ll be able to win races” and that Jenson is “more than capable” of winning races.
If there is a flaw in the jewel it is Button’s attitude and commitment to his work, his natural talent is in no doubt. As former world champion Nigel Mansell said “He’s got a great reputation for partying.”
It may have been a shot across the bows from Brawn when he spoke of Schumacher’s “work ethic” saying “That was very strong in Michael, and bought it’s own rewards.”
“I will be encouraging Jenson in that respect. You can miss out on a lot if you leave early after practice and don’t spend time with your engineers.”
Button is back, fitter, leaner and keener than at any time in his career, he has spent the winter in Lanzorote, not partying but training. He says he is “very motivated” after working his “ass off” all winter and is keen to get back to racing.
“I feel that I’m the fittest driver on the grid and the most focused driver out there. I’m definitely hungry and I want a competitive car.”
I have a great feeling about Honda’s chances for the coming season. They have a good pedigree in modern motor racing history and I was surprised when they withdrew from Formula 1 after dominating six consecutive seasons with Williams and McLaren. I believe that Brawn and Button will make a formidable partnership with Honda and I expect some podium places this year.
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