More responsibility for Button

With the departure of Jacques Villeneuve, BAR boss David Richards thinks Jenson Button is ready to take on the challenging role of team leader. Button will be partnered by the relatively inexperienced Takuma Sato next year and Richards wants the 23 ...

With the departure of Jacques Villeneuve, BAR boss David Richards thinks Jenson Button is ready to take on the challenging role of team leader. Button will be partnered by the relatively inexperienced Takuma Sato next year and Richards wants the 23 year old Briton to live up to his responsibilities.

Jenson Button.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"There is quite a different approach about being a number two, behind very experienced drivers, as Jenson has wherever he has been," said Richards. "It's easy to sit in the shadows and not take all the responsibility that is beholden and essential with someone who is a team leader."

"I just sense Jenson is suddenly realising 'I have got to step up to the plate now, I have got to lead this team' and that will put a lot of weight on his shoulders but I am sure he will be able to change his approach."

Button briefly led the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and eventually finished fourth, while Sato came home sixth to secure a double points finish for the team. "That was incredible!" Button enthused after the race.

"We came here fighting for two points and came away with eight, which is just amazing. We really deserved this result today and to finally secure fifth place in the Championship is a great way for the team to finish the season."

The Englishman, though, does not see himself as heading the team. "It is not going to change anything I do," Button said of the change of drivers at BAR. "I am more experienced in the team than Taku even though he has been testing for a year. I think we will be very strong as a team next season but I don't think of me being a team leader."