Honda target regular point finishes

The team had headed into the first race of the year unsure about their chances, but a better-than-expected qualifying and race performance has left them encouraged - even though Rubens Barrichello was disqualified from sixth place for ignoring a red light at the end of the pits.

Brawn said: "Whilst the result was disappointing, we have to look at the positives. Qualifying confirmed that we are in the midfield and a very strong race drive from Rubens showed that we have the potential to fight for points.

"It was pleasing to see that the aerodynamic upgrade from Jerez worked as expected and I think we have a good basis for the first three races until we can introduce the next development step for Spain.

"I think we can have a similarly strong weekend to the one we experienced in Melbourne. We have shown that we have a car with which to target the points and two drivers who are very determined to achieve that."

Barrichello is equally upbeat about where the team are at this stage of the season, as they head into this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix.

"We knew we had made a step forward at our final pre-season test in Jerez. What we didn't know was where we were in relation to the other teams.

"I'm encouraged by the start we have made to the season and for this I have to thank everyone in Japan and the UK for all the hard work that has gone into the car over the past few weeks in particular. I think we are going to have a positive season."