Button unsure of matching Renault pace

Although Honda started the season as one of the favourites to fight for victories, they have been unable to turn that into Grand Prix success, with Button having scored just one podium in three races.

World champion Fernando Alonso was quickest in opening practice at Imola, with Button, not completely happy with the handling of his car, finishing down in 11th, nearly 1.5 seconds off the pace.

"I really don't know yet. I think Renault will be strong here as they have been all season, and we have to see how close we are to them," said Button. "I think Ferrari and McLaren are a bit easier. We are competitive with them it is just a question of whether we are competitive with Renault.

"You can say that Alonso is quick but you sort of expected that. We don't know how quick people are behind him really. Anthony seems to be reasonably happy with the car around here.

"We didn't do many laps but consistency seems pretty good. There is a lot of work we need to do overnight to get a balance that I am happy with. It seems really low grip."

At the same time, Button sounded confident of beating Ferrari, despite Michael Schumacher finishing as second quickest behind Alonso.

"I didn't really see what they did. Michael went out first of all and put in a lap time but they did that a lot last year, I don't think it is anything to worry about too much," he said.

"I think as the weekend goes on I think the Michelins will start working a bit better personally."

Button, who started from pole position at the Australian Grand Prix, said he is targeting a place in the first two rows tomorrow.
 
"We have to wait and see, but I haven't qualified outside the top three yet this year so that has to be the aim," he added.