Button Not Suprised by Renault's Competitiveness

Briton Jenson Button has revealed that he is not surprised by the competitiveness of his Renault team so far this season.

"The results so far this season weren't planned as such, but our level of competitiveness isn't a surprise," said Button, who finished fifth at the San Marino Grand Prix eight days ago at the Imola circuit.

"Overall it was a great result in Imola - we had the right strategy, excellent pit stops from the team meant it worked perfectly, and I drove one of the best races of my career in F1."

Renault, who took over from Benetton this year to make their official return as a team, have impressed with their pace in the first four races of the season, fighting against the McLaren squad for third place in the Constructors' Championship.

Button, who has scored all eight points for the French team, finished ahead of McLaren's David Coulthard at the San Marino Grand Prix, consolidating his fourth place in the drivers' standings.

Now the young Brit is confident of continuing with Renault's strong start with another good result at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, where Button will be aiming for his fourth consecutive finish in the points after two fourths and one fifth in the last three races.

"It is important that we keep the points rolling in for the team throughout the year," he added. "One of the real advantages of being in a big, ambitious team is that the car is getting better and better at every race, and we are constantly growing in competitiveness."

Renault are currently in fourth place in the Constructors' standings, only one point behind the Mercedes-powered McLaren team.