BAR-Honda Sporting director, Gil de Ferran, has said that he is convinced his team can start winning races in 2006.

"We certainly have two drivers capable of winning races," he told the BAR website, referring to Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, who has won nine Grands Prix to date, "and I'm confident the design and race teams are capable not only of producing a good car but also operating it well enough to achieve that objective.

"Clearly to win, a lot of different things have to come right on the day and that's the big challenge," he added.

"But I don't get out of bed thinking 'lets finish second'. I didn't have that attitude when I was a driver and I certainly don't have it now. I'm here to fight for race wins and championships."

The Brazilian admits that his team faces a stiff challenge from 2005 title protagonists McLaren and Renault, not to mention Ferrari.

"I have no reason to believe either McLaren or Renault won't have another good season," he said. "Obviously we're hoping that we'll be further up and it would be foolish to discount Ferrari. Red Bull has just acquired the services of the man who's been involved in the design of numerous winning cars, so it's only reasonable to assume they will be stronger next year, too."

Talking of his drivers, de Ferran believes that Button, who has yet to win a Grand Prix, despite one hundred attempts, is a unique talent.

"He's a man who has been touched by God! His skill is just remarkable," said the Brazilian. "He's a driver like few I've seen before with a fine touch and an amazing feeling for the car. He has a tremendous amount of natural ability and there's no question that he has the raw materials within him to achieve the ultimate success

"A guy like Rubens brings a wealth of experience from his previous involvement with Ferrari," he added, "where he was part of one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.

"You can't unlearn what you've learned so that knowledge is imprinted into his brain and he'll bring that with him. Above everything else, of course, he brings his own talent; we all know he's a very fast driver. A team like ours must always aim to have the best possible drivers and Jenson and Rubens fit that bill."