Button encouraged after Vallelunga test

Button struggled for pace during last weekend's Australian Grand Prix despite starting the race from pole position. The Honda driver admitted he was unable to get heat into his tyres after each of the four Safety Car periods that took place in Melbourne.

But the Briton and his team have been working hard at the Vallelunga circuit this week, and Button was encouraged by their progress.

"Testing went well this week," said Button. "The weather wasn't great yesterday as it was fairly windy and cold but actually that was perfect for us as we are doing a lot of work to see why we can't get heat into the tyres or make them work when the temperatures drop.

"I spent the two days mostly concentrating on this along with some regular tyre testing for the next races. We got some very useful info so all in all it's been a good test."

Chief engineer Mark Ellis said the test had been very productive and he is also optimistic that Honda will be able to fight at the top in the San Marino GrandPrixx.

"We have had an extremely constructive test this week, with our priorities focused on understanding the issues that affected our race performance during the Australian Grand Prix," he said.

"Our aim is clearly to carry our qualifying performance into the race to help us to deliver our goals. We are optimistic that our efforts this week, coupled with the many new components to be tested next week in Barcelona, will achieve this in Imola."