Button delighted with tests

Button set the second fastest time on the final day of the test (Thursday), just under two-tenths of a second away from pacesetter Luca Badoer of Ferrari. It was BAR's first test with the black and silver-liveried car - which featured a new engine, plus 2004 gearbox, hydraulics and rear suspension - and its maiden run on Michelin tyres.

"It has been encouraging to see the times we have set and it will be good to get some more miles on the clock in Jerez next week," said Button. "I am really glad to be back behind the wheel. The team concentrated on running through procedures and working on reliability and after an installation day on Tuesday, the car has been running very smoothly.

"I think we have achieved what we hoped to do, which was to get a good number of miles on the car, and we have managed over 400 kilometres on each of the last two days.

"The new Honda engine has been running well and reliably, which is a good sign. This has also been the first test working with our new tyre partners, and as expected we have learned a lot about the differences needed in car set-up. The team is going to do a lot of work on the basis of what we have learned and that will help us to find the best set-up and get the most out of the tyres at the remaining two tests of the year."

Button's team-mate Takuma Sato also racked up a high number of miles in a 2003 BAR.

"I was excited to hear his comments on the '04 concept car and I can't wait to drive it myself," said Sato.