Buoyant Button looking for Suzuka podium

Button finally won a race after 113 starts at a rain-soaked Hungarian Grand Prix in August and wants to continue in the same vein at Honda in 2007 with an improved engine.

"People say it changes you -- and it does because you've won a race," Button told reporters ahead of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

"I've definitely grown as a driver but not because of Hungary. If anything the win in Hungary has made me hungrier. On the podium I was already looking forward to the next win."

He added: "I have always had a lot of confidence in myself. Hungary hasn't changed me."

Button will go into Honda's home race at Suzuka with high hopes of a podium finish after a battling fourth-place finish in Shanghai last weekend.

Honda's plan to unveil their 'Suzuka Special' engine this week -- the same engine they will look to develop for 2007 -- has fuelled Button's optimism.

"The engine in the car is definitely an improvement," said Button.

"If it's dry it will be a real fight to be on the podium but that's what we've got to aim at -- if it's wet there's everything to play for. It will be exciting if it's wet."

Button is currently sixth in the drivers' standings on 45 points with teammate Rubens Barrichello seventh on 28 with just races in Japan and Brazil remaining.

Title run-in

Sunday's race has taken on even greater significance with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Renault's Fernando Alonso locked on 116 points in a pulsating title run-in.

There will be extra poignancy for Honda in particular with Suzuka being replaced by Fuji Speedway for the 2007 Formula One season.

"It's a massive disappointment Suzuka is not on the calendar next season," said Button, who finished on the podium in Japan in 2004.

"I have been with Honda for a few years now and I'm definitely very at home there. It's physically and mentally very demanding and you see the top cars and top drivers come top."

Schumacher's former teammate Barrichello, meanwhile, has failed to gain a podium in his first season with Honda but the Brazilian feels it is only a matter of time.

"I've been knocking on the door to be on the podium so many times this year," he shrugged. "Hopefully I'll achieve that over the last two races -- both 'home' races for me."

Button was quick to credit Barrichello for helping his own development as a driver this season.

"I think I've definitely grown as a driver," said Button. "I've got a lot more experience and much of that is from working with Rubens."