Jenson Button will be World Champion

By Phil Huff (20/07/2004)
July 20 2004

Lucky Strike BAR Honda's star driver Jenson Button will be the Formula One World Champion, at least according to the legendary Murray Walker.

With a string of podium finishes this year, and promises from both BAR and Honda of continuing development, Jenson is finally showing the results that his early years in F1 promised.

"I've always been impressed with Jenson but when he started in Formula One," said Murray. "To prove I have always been impressed with Jenson Button, in his first season with Williams I said 'that boy is a potential world champion'."

Jenson's debut season was impressive, with the Briton frequently outpacing team mate Ralf Schumacher. Two years in the wilderness at Benetton / Renault shrouded his abilities, but a season and a half at BAR has transformed opinions of the 24 year old.

"Now he is in the right team I am steadfast in my belief that he is a future world champion," continues Murray.

"Jenson is the ideal successor to Nigel Mansell because he is a darn nice bloke, he is good looking, he is very fast and he has enormous potential to be a world champion of the future."

Here's hoping he's right.