By Phil Huff
November 28 2005

BAR Honda's Jenson Button has offered up a welcome gift to new team mate Rubens Barrichello in 2006, giving the Brazilian the number 11 for his car. The driver numbers allocated for the team next year, 11 and 12, reflect the team's sixth place finish in the 2005 Constructors' Championship. Although Jenson and Rubens will have equal status and equipment, Jenson had the option to retain the lead number for the forthcoming season.

"I have no particular affinity with any number – other than 1 of course, which I hope to race with enormous pride when I achieve my goal of winning the World Championship," explains Jenson. "In the meantime, I know how special the number 11 has been to Rubens in his past career and I thought it would be nice to make the gesture."

Rubens achieved his first race win racing under the number 11, as well as all of his karting titles. Barrichello also took his first step at the top of the podium in the Formula Ford Championship with the number 11.

Next years line up of Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button promises to be one of the most competitive pairings on the grid, but off-track there's no issues at all.

"We'll have plenty to be competing for on-track next season," finished Button. "We're good friends already and we're both looking forward to being team-mates. I just hope number 11 isn't too lucky for Rubens next year!"