JENSON Button says he intends to look down on seven-time world champi on Michael Schumacher from the top of the podium this season.

It's a simple enough statement of intent from the man who finished third behind the perennial champion and his Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello last year.

And it's one that everyone outside of the Tifosi and the Prancing Horse camp welcomed with open arms.

Achieving that aim though, even once, will be as tough a challenge as has ever been thrown down in front of the BAR driver.

The task begins this weekend, when the Formula One circus pulls into Melbourne, and Button will be the focus of more than his fair share of attention.

Much was expected of the Somerset-born driver when he broke on to the scene in Australia in 2000.

But in the five years since he has flattered to deceive in many ways, only really coming to prominence last term when finishing runner-up four times - San Marino, Monaco, Germany and China - and third on a further six occasions - Malaysia, Bahrain, Europe, Canada, Italy and Japan.

At 25 he is widely judged to be approaching his prime, so what better time to attempt to bring to an end Schumacher's and Ferrari's dominance of the sport which, as incredible as it has been, is proving a major turn-off for many?

"Ferrari have been on top for a long time and it can't stay like that," predicted Button.

"Williams have been on top for three or four years at a time, the same for McLaren. It doesn't last ten years.

"My goal for this season is to stand on top of the podium and look down on Michael."

Button believes the gap between Ferrari and the rest of the paddock may narrow this year because of new regulations which have been brought in.

A set of tyres must now last through both qualifying and the race itself, qualifying takes place over two days, with aggregate times determining the grid, engines have to last two full race weekends and aerodynamic changes have been made to reduce the cars' grip and slow them down on safety grounds.

"If you've looked after your tyres it's going to be a lot easier to overtake people," said Button, arguing his belief in respect of the first change.

"That's one area where I feel I have an advantage because my driving has always been smooth. Normally you'd be pushing at 100 per cent in the whole race, but you are not going to be able to do that.

"I'm sure some people will change their technique. But I don't think I will have to."

The problem is the Italian giants are strong in all of the above areas and it remains to be seen whether Button is proven correct.

Along with the Schumacher factor, one other could stand between Button and a winning season.

Last season he initiated a widely publicised spat between himself and BAR when he insisted he was leaving to rejoin Williams. The row went to court and Button was forced to concede defeat when it was ruled his contract did not allow him to back out of his current deal.

Button was forced to accept he was with BAR for 2005 and what's more he may remain there for a further season beyond that if by the time the Hungarian Grand Prix comes round he has amassed a points tally equal to 70 per cent of whoever is leading the championship at the time.

Regardless of Button's relaxed attitude to the situation it is bound to lead to some unwanted additional tension as the race for the title unfolds.

With all this going on and major changes to many of the other teams, from new drivers to new owners and cars, it's hard to look beyond Schumacher, despite what Button might believe and the fact that Ferrari go to Australia with old machinery.

The new F2005 car, launched last week, will not be ready until the fifth race of the season.

However, that might actually work in Ferrari's favour as it means they are working with a proven set-up while others are hoping for the best.

Schumacher certainly believes it is the best way forward.

"It could be a disadvantage in the first race but we believe that, overall, it's the better solution," he said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we were right up there, even if, as has been so often said, Renault and (McLaren) Mercedes have made the strongest impression recently."

Even at the age of 36 Schumacher is not ready to drive his career into parc ferme just yet and even suggested recently that he could carry on for a further four years.

"I feel as motivated as ever," Schumacher said. "If I didn't think I could win I wouldn't be here. It is clear I want to win the championship.

"We like success, we have great supporters and we will try to keep it for them."

Aside from Button and Schumacher, there are a number of other sub-plots running alongside the main script this year.

There's the first Indian in Formula One in Jordan driver Narain Karthikeyan.

It will be interesting to see if his presence is more than just a marketing stunt aimed at an area of the world largely untouched by F1's tentacles.

Then there's McClaren and their partnership of Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya. Opposites attract, or so they say, so if the quiet and cool Finn clicks with the volatile and oft outspoken Colombian, they may well be on the podium more times than not.

David Coulthard is back for perhaps one last hurrah.

After nine years with McClaren, the chisel-chinned Scot has signed with the freshly-branded Red Bull team alongside the up-and-coming Christian Klien.

And finally, there's the fact that Renault president Patrick Faure declared recently that the French outfit were " here to win races". That's not something you say lightly in Formula One unless you want to end up with egg on your face.

In Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella Renault have drivers with the experience to back up the boast.

Whether it will be enough to wrest the advantage from Ferrari will become clear by October.

Published: 05/03/2005