Speaking at Autosport International, former BAR team principal, David Richards, has warned Jenson Button, not to expect his team to be as competitive in 2005 as it was in 2004.

"I think it is going to be a very difficult year for them," Richards told the audience, in a live interview. "I think McLaren and Williams will be stronger than last year, and Renault as well."

BAR, and in particular Button, had a superb season in 2004, but without detracting anything from its achievements, the (overall) poor form of WilliamsF1 and McLaren, together with Renault's problems in the latter half of the season, saw the Brackley outfit virtually unchallenged for the runner-up spot to Ferrari.

"We had a very successful year," said Richards, whose contract with the team was ended folowing Honda's acqisition of 45% of the team. "I was very happy, but the next challenge is going to be moving up the ladder. I think Ferrari will be dominant and so the battle will be on for second place. I think it will be a couple of years before the other teams can challenge them."

Asked if he missed F1, and being one of the 'key players', Richards laughed; "Do I look like I miss it?"

BAR's 2005 contender is launched tomorrow (Sunday), in Barcelona, and many F1 insiders beleive that the team will be competitive and pick up where it left off last season, however it is what the opposition can come up with that really matters.