Button in Good Spirits Despite Problems

Briton Jenson Button remained in positive moods despite a series of problems hampering his progress in Friday's free practice in Australia.

Benetton driver Button was hit by an engine problem in the opening session and an enforced engine change failed to improve his lap times significantly in the second session.

His car then suffered a puncture which further reduced his track time to leave European Minardi's Tarso Marques the only man slower.

"I'm not very quick on three wheels," joked Button. "I haven't got a clue how the puncture was caused. Michelin are looking into it. I don't think I hit anything."

Button's team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella was also not impressed with his 16th position in the times at the end of the day's practice. The Italian warned that the team have a lot of work to do if they are to get a good result in Melbourne.

Fisichella said: "We made good progress with the balance and found what we think is the best tyre for us here. But we are too far down the times so we have a lot of work to do to get us where we need to be."