Button: We won't be fourth tomorrow

"I'm not interested in the position or the times today," Button told reporters after posting the fourth fastest time in the afternoon session.

"I'm just happy that we have improved the car. This car is a rewarding one to drive because it reacts to changes. We won't be fourth tomorrow," added the Briton.

Honda Racing showed promising pace in the season opener in Australia, with Rubens Barrichello finishing in sixth place before being disqualified for a pitlane infringement.

The Brazilian, 11th fastest today, was also upbeat about Honda's form, and he reckons a top 10 in qualifying in not out of the question.

"We are still dealing with small features of lacking grip and traction side, but this is a car that will adapt quite well to any track," he said.

"So I think that it was a first good impression of it, the long run pace isn't bad and basically I have been struggling with my new tyre run because I just lack balance more than grip, but the car is capable of being top 12 again and probably bumping into top 10, you never know."

Barrichello, who was 13th in the morning session, improved by nearly a whole second in the afternoon.

"The car went better, that is for sure a lot better in the second session we made an improvement there," he said.

"But it is also to do with the track. Although it is hot, because of the lack of traction control we are leaving black marks everywhere on traction, so the track is getting grippy."

When asked if it would be possible to score points this weekend, he said: "Yes. Sure."