Button downcast despite improvement

Button and teammate Rubens Barrichello had a torrid time at the Australian Grand Prix, where they both struggled with the braking instability problems that have dogged their new car during winter testing.

And although hopes were high that new aerodynamic and suspension components introduced for this week's pre-Malaysian Grand Prix could help transform their pace, Button believes that there will be no dramatic step forward from them yet.

"This was a very important test as we struggled a bit in Melbourne," he told autosport.com after finishing his running on Friday. "There were a lot of new parts here, mainly aero parts, and we have definitely made an improvement.

"But it did not solve all the problems. We still have a long way to go, so it may not change the outcome a great deal in the race.

"We got a bit better, but then again this circuit is a braking track like Melbourne. Our car does seem to suit here more, so will see. But we are not getting excited about it. It is a small improvement."

Honda's focus in trying to cure the rear-end instability has now shifted to the front of the car, having failed to find a cause of the problem at the rear.

Team boss Nick Fry told this week's Autosport: "We've turned our attentions to the front end. In particular, we'll be looking at how the front wing interacts with the tyres and bargeboards.

"It could be a continuation of the front-end problems we've had over the past two years."