By Phil Huff
July 28 2005

Lucky Strike BAR Honda's Jenson Button returned to the podium today, the first time since the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2004. The points haul allows the team to leapfrog both Jordan and Sauber in the constructors championship. "It's fantastic to be back on the podium today after a great race for me and the team," enthused Jenson Button. "I don't need to tell anyone what a tough season this has been for us and it's a great feeling to come away from here with a trophy for the guys who've worked so hard to get us up there today."

The 'tough season' refers to the fuel tank issues BAR Honda had earlier in the year that saw them banned from three events, as well as missing out the Indianapolis race due to problems with the Michelin tyres.

That was all put behind him as he lined up for the start of the German Grand Prix.

"I didn't get a great start and obviously Michael was able to pass me," explains Jenson. "In the first stint I worried that I might not be able to catch him but then he seemed to lose a bit of pace and I just kept pushing and pushing until I had my chance. I had to keep pushing hard because I knew he was stopping later than me, but in the end I was able to keep him behind for the rest of the race."

With Schumacher dealt with, the only threat remaining was Juan Pablo Montoya who, despite starting last in his McLaren, had fought his way through the field to run just behind Jenson. However, due to an earlier pit stop for the BAR driver, Montoya managed to get a jump on him and, once the positions had shaken themselves out after the final stops, he got ahead of Button.

"Catching Juan Pablo was always going to be a different matter," continued Jenson. "For us it was just a great race and I enjoyed every minute because I could push the car all the way.

"It's a huge boost to everyone at the Team, Honda and Michelin and my thanks to all of them."