Jenson Button: Wet running provided useful tyre data

Jenson Button felt the chance to get some running on a wet track in Australian Grand Prix practice was useful even though it could leave the field unprepared for the dry conditions expected for the rest of the weekend

The McLaren driver was fastest in first practice, which saw the longest spell of dry running.

"I think we all say it's only practice one, it's only practice two but it's a nice way to start the season," said Button. "You'd still rather be first than last. But a positive day I think.

"It's the same for all of us, we didn't get a lot of running today because of the track conditions. But it was useful because we haven't run in the wet so to get an idea of the wing angles for the wet tyres, the inters and the dries, and the difference between them was very useful and also to get an understanding of how the car works in those different conditions.

"I'm reasonably happy with the car here actually, it feels nice. There are a few areas we need to improve but a relatively good Friday considering the limited running."

Button did acknowledge that the conditions made it impossible to draw any conclusions about form ahead of qualifying. Michael Schumacher was fastest for Mercedes in the second session.

"There is a certain one that side of us that will be quick [Red Bull], and has been quick for the last couple of years so they are still going to be the ones to beat I think," said Button.

"I think them and Mercedes looked quick as well. But it is really difficult to say with this limited running we had. And also it's still a Friday."