Mohammed Ben Sulayem is tipping British star Jenson Button to emerge as Formula One world champion, if he can find the reliability to match his talent.
Sulayem, the Arab world’s most successful driver, believes Button has the skill and courage to reach the peak in Grand Prix racing and expects him to make his mark on the 2006 F1 season getting under way in Bahrain on 12th March.
“Jenson has been a winner ever since he started kart racing as an eight-year-old, and he’s one of the few drivers capable of going all the way to the top in Formula One,” said the 14-times Middle East rally champion.
“They key is the reliability of his car, which let him down last year after he showed what he can do in 2004 by finishing third in the championship.”
Sulayem has developed a close friendship with Button and hosted a lunch for the B•A•R Honda driver when he stopped off to visit him in Dubai recently en route to testing in Bahrain.
“I keep in touch with him regularly and like the fact that he doesn’t get carried away with what he’s achieved. It’s important not to let success in sport affect you in a negative way.”
