Button aims for Silverstone podium

The Englishman completed 300 laps of the Circuit de Catalunya, a track that is said to be a good proving ground to prepare for Silverstone. He ended up with the second best time of the week behind McLaren's Alexander Wurz.

Renault will have new aerodynamic parts on its car this weekend, although these were not ready for the Spanish test. But the developments, combined with Button's testing miles, have left him feeling upbeat for Silverstone.

"It would be nice to get my first podium at Silverstone," he told Motorsport News, on sale tomorrow (Wednesday). "We're not quick enough to qualify third or fourth on the grid and get a podium like that, but we'll be as close as we can, and see what happens in the race.

"From testing the car seems to work well there - it's very good through corners like Becketts - so I'll go in knowing the car is more positive. I'm sure we can do it."

If Button was to score his first podium at Silverstone, the timing could not be better. Speculation about which team he will drive for in 2003 is still raging on, with Renault test driver Fernando Alonso remaining the tip to replace him at his current team.

For Mike Gascoyne's view of Renault's chances at Silverstone, see AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale from Thursday.