Button Confident of Matching McLaren's Pace

Jenson Button said he was ready to challenge British rival David Coulthard and the McLarens on Monday after finishing in the points in the Brazilian Grand Prix for the second race in a row.

Button and his new Renault team have shown a step-up in performance since the start of 2002 after showing continuous improvement last season as the Benetton team.

The experience of a tough 2001 is paying off for Button, who is the only driver to have scored points for Renault on their return to Grand Prix racing.

"We were three tenths quicker than his (Coulthard's) best lap time round here and the most important thing is that we are fighting with the top teams," said Button, reviewing Sunday's race.

"I think we are getting closer. I think we will be on McLaren's pace in the next few races."

Button, who finished fourth for the second race in succession, was forced to fend off Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya in the closing stages in Brazil as the highly rated Williams driver chased through the field following a first-lap collision with Michael Schumacher's Ferrari.

"Having to keep Juan at bay was exciting," said Button. "Nine laps to go and he's right up with me.

"The boys on the radio said: 'You can keep him at bay, no problem'...it wasn't. It's great to be able to hold off a Williams like that."

Button is fourth in the World Championship, having scored six points to Coulthard's four, which the Scot won in coming third on Sunday. Renault, however, are behind McLaren in the Constructors' Championship, their Woking-based rivals having had two podium finishes in the first three races.

Button is confident of better results to come and is looking ahead to the San Marino Grand Prix in two weeks.

"I didn't deserve a podium this race, but hopefully it's not far away," he said.