Praise for Button from Ferrari's Brawn

Jenson Button is on a roll right now. His BAR-Honda team knows it, the Formula One paddock knows it, and the team of the moment knows it. Following his impressive 2nd place at Imola on Sunday, praise was heaped on Button by Ferrari's master tactician and technical director Ross Brawn, after a race that saw the 24 year-old Englishman collect his third successive bottle of champagne on the podium.

Jenson Button.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"One day Michael's going to stop and you've got to look around and see who's the best at that stage. I think Jenson will be on that list for sure," Brawn told BBC Radio. "I think he's doing a fantastic job. He knows the circuits now and he's learning how to work with the teams."

"I think he'll be a hot property in the next couple of years. I think he showed signs in the early days, but if you get in the right environment and the right people behind you believe in you it raises your game. You see all the signs of that."

Praise indeed from the Ferrari hierarchy, who are currently scouting around for a suitable replacement once Michael Schumacher decides to call it a day. Brawn's words will have gone down well in the Button camp as the Brit aims to continue his consistency into the Spanish Grand Prix next week.

Though Button has had an impressive start to his campaign -- currently he is second only to the two Ferrari's of Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello in the drivers' table with 24 points -- the Englishman now faces the biggest decision of his career: who to drive for in 2005 and beyond?

Ferrari may be praising, and it's no secret that Williams is interested, but in light of their up-turn in performance this season, the general consensus is that Button will re-sign for BAR for the foreseeable future.

The Englishman is happier now happier than at any time in his career. The recognized No1 driver, Button has the full support of team principal David Richards and the fact remains that for the first time since his startling debut season in 2000, the Brit has a car underneath him that is worthy of his talent. BAR are testing hard and developing at a fast rate in order to catch Ferrari.

As is customary in Formula One, the rumors will disappear to be replaced by official announcements in the run up to the half way stage of the season. But where will Britain's newest hero be having his seat fitting for 2005? Only Button can decide...