BAR will have 2 title contenders in 2006 - Barrichello

Rubens Barrichello believes that Jenson Button's extended contract at BAR Honda can turn them into genuine World Championship challengers. Button has bought his way out of a Williams contract to stay with BAR for the long term, teamed up with Barrichello next season to give the team their strongest driver line-up to date.

Barrichello believes Button's continued presence will provide the missing link in BAR's bid to finally win races and challenge for titles.
Rubens Barrichello "I am very happy because I think now the team has a true chance of becoming World Champions. We have two drivers with the full potential of becoming World Champion, the backing of Honda and BAR and everything. I think that it is good we have two drivers capable of winning. I am delighted. I was really hoping he could stay with the team so now he is going to have some hard work in November and December, when I am off, and then he his taking January off and I will be working."

Nick Fry is convinced that Barrichello will be the perfect partner for the Brit to help the team win their first Grand Prix.
Nick Fry, BAR boss "We are extremely pleased Jenson is staying for two reasons; he is a very good driver but also he is a team player. We have been trying to build the best team of people and Jenson has been an integral part of that. The other important thing is I am convinced Jenson and Rubens will work very well together. Their combination of skills will work well and their characters are well suited so I am sure they will be competitive. The drivers are a very important part of the future and having them in place for a good few years is important."

Fry was impressed by Button's attitude this season, especially after a difficult start of the season with several retirements and a two-race ban. But BAR Honda recovered from those setbacks to end the season strongly.
"We have outstanding teamwork and this year has been exceptional on all levels. At the start of the year we had problems but the back-up was outstanding and the support Jenson has had is typical. Also, the way he has managed to concentrate on his driving has been impressive, a lot of others would have been distracted more by this."

With Button staying at BAR and Barrichello moving to BAR, there is no race seat left for Takuma Sato.
"He has done a great job for us and has been very popular so it has been quite a difficult time for us and for him. We are working with his management to help with his future."