Richards: Button win would help motorsport in Britain

Jenson Button needs to break his Formula One duck next season for the good of British motorsport, according to former boss David Richards.

Button’s disappointing 2005 season concluded with his 100th grand prix, during which time he has failed to stand on the top step of the podium despite several near misses.

Richards, the man who signed Button for BAR-Honda, believes this year is crucial if the 25-year-old Englishman is to back up his formidable reputation with results.

In his role as world rally championship boss, Richards has seen the damaging effect the lack of a British star has had on the sport in this country.

Now he wants Button to step up to the plate and ensure Britain’s interest in Formula One does not wane.

“I very much hope he becomes world champion for the sake of British motorsport as much as anything,” he said at the Autosport Show today. “He is the great hope out there at the moment.

“This year again will be a very critical year for him. It will help the sport enormously if he starts to win, it will have a positive effect on everything. I hope he wins a race next season.”

Button is not the only member of the Honda team facing a make-or-break season, according to Richards, who also runs the Prodrive company.

Honda, who now own the team outright, have a glowing reputation in Formula One from their days as world champion engine suppliers and Richards believes their first season back as a constructor will come with high expectations.

BAR’s final year was a difficult one, with an embarrassing two-race ban adding to a below-par car and their former boss knows the kind of pressure the Brackley-based squad are under.

“It is easy to criticise from the outside but I am sure they are their best critics from that point of view,” said Richards. “They know what problems they’ve had to face.

“Clearly this coming year is a very decisive year because they had so much success in 2004 but took a step back last season. Honda will be expecting a significant step up this season.

“It’s not through lack of money because there’s nobody spending more money in Formula One at the moment than Honda. That being the case I would expect everyone is looking for the results.”