Button targets title in 2009

The British driver believes Ross Brawn has already made an impact at the team in his short time there so far, and he is convinced that Honda will make big strides forward during this year.

"I'm so happy that we've got Ross," Button said on the main stage at the Autosport International show. "When he first walked into the team, there was the biggest round of applause I've ever seen.

"On his own he's not going to turn the team around, but I think that everyone is positive and doing a great job. He's fitted in quicker than everyone imagined, and the way of working in the team has changed a lot already.

"I think we'll be a lot closer to the front in 2008, and in 2009, we have to be fighting for the world championship. If we can get to that position with a good car, then this team will win the world championship. As a team, we are very very strong."

Button believes the squad will also benefit from their struggles in 2007, as it has led to big changes in the team.

"In a way, '07 was a good year for the team," he added. "It sounds stupid, but it was. If we'd had a reasonable year, we might have carried on in the direction we were going.

"But after such a bad year, we've realised we do need to change something, and we have done that now. I'm looking forward to the future with Honda."