Button took 113 races to record his first Grand Prix victory

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says the new points system means Brawn GP's British driver Jenson Button could be a surprise contender for the 2009 title.

The driver with the most wins will be crowned champion and Ecclestone feels Brawn's impressive form in testing may help them make a flying start.

"I suppose an awful lot will depend on these regulations," Ecclestone said.

"But if Brawn has got it right, there's a chance that for the first three races we could maybe see Jenson winning."

Ecclestone still expects more established drivers to eventually challenge for the championship but feels the results of the early races could help to shape the season.

He added: "Now that it is not points that decides the championship, if Jenson has three races in his pocket then it is not bad - although I suppose in the end you have to look at the old timers like Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton."

Button, 29, took 113 races to record his first Grand Prix win, which came in Budapest in August 2006.

606: DEBATE Worringly the championship could be decided far earlier than under the current points system, with a consequent decline in TV audiences. Andrew Benson

That remains his only F1 victory, although he has made the podium on 15 occasions in nine seasons.

Brawn have been a revelation in pre-season testing with Button and his team-mate Rubens Barrichello setting the pace at Barcelona and Jerez.

Their performances are remarkable given the former Honda team only confirmed at the start of March that it would be on the grid for the new season.

The opening race of the season is in Australia on 29 March.

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