Button Shines Despite Ill-Handling Car

British driver Jenson Button continued to show his good form in today's practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Having scored points in the last three races, the Renault driver shone once more today at the Barcelona circuit, where he set the third quickest time of the day only behind World Champion Michael Schumacher and compatriot Heinz-Harald Frentzen with the Arrows.

Despite his pace, Button - the fastest of the Michelin runners - revealed that his R202 chassis was difficult to drive.

"The conditions were very difficult during the first session, because of the wind and the state of the track, but everybody was in the same situation," said Button. "The car was difficult to drive - twitchy at the rear and understeering in the long corners.

"Even so, I managed to set a good time during the afternoon, and we now need to work further on the balance of the car."

Teammate Jarno Trulli - tenth fastest - had a troubled day, suffering engine problems in the first session and going off the track in the second.