Button predicts stronger weekend at Monza

The Japanese squad, who have scored just one point in a dismal season so far, enjoyed a productive test at Monza last week, leaving Button encouraged about his prospects for the weekend.

"We tested here last week for four days which went well despite the unusually poor weather. We ran the car in the unique set-up required for Monza with a lower downforce setting than usual and it performed well," the British driver said in a team preview.

"The race will be tough however I expect our performance to be more competitive than some of the recent races which gives cause for optimism."

The team's senior technical director Shuhei Nakamoto echoed Button's comments, saying he expects the team to have a stronger race pace.

"Testing at Monza last week in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix has enabled us to find a good balance for the car around this high-speed circuit after running through different wing, tyre and chassis set-up options," said Nakamoto.

"Monza's many straights will be a challenge for us, however as in Turkey, we expect to be stronger in the race than in qualifying, enabling us to battle strongly with our mid-grid rivals."