My verdict is still out on Jenson Button. I'm not sure if he's a pretender or contender based on 2003's performance. I'll let you know in 2004.
Contender: Maybe he hasn't demonstrated it in terms of race results, but except for his first season at Renault (where the whole team was in turmoil and he was told to drive around the deficiencies in the car, including no power-steering and a shoulder injury) he has consistently matched or exceeded his teamate's performances.
So that’s Ralph, Jarno and Jacques.
He’s not fazed by pressure, he works hard, he's talented and he hasn't had the best of equipment, yet! 2004 will be a good test of his metal, he's BAR's no. 1, another first and a real challenge to the maturing JB.
What ever happens over the next two years, I think we are in for some epic battles: Young guns, old pros, rule stability, close racing and an abundance of talent and determination. All we need now is some good old-fashioned overtaking opportunities!