Ferrari form frustrates Button

Speaking after scoring his 10th podium finish of the season, a result that looks almost certain to have helped the Brackley-based outfit clinch second place in the constructors' championship, Button hailed the progress that the team had made since he joined it at the start of last season.

However, he could not hide his disappointment about the fact that BAR and himself are both winless - despite rivals Renault and McLaren having both won races in 2004.

"It has definitely been a big step forward, for more than one reason, there's been lots of reasons for that," he said. "I have been on the podium 10 times which is great but I still haven't had my first win.

"It's probably not the best season to have a quick car really, because the Ferrari seems to be outstandingly quick, so it is a little bit disappointing that we haven't got that win yet but maybe in two weeks [at the Brazilian Grand Prix]. We are obviously going to try for that."

The Brazilian Grand Prix could provide BAR with a pretty good chance - with the circuit's twists and turns playing to the BAR006's excellent braking and traction. The long climb from the final turn up to the start-finish line should also allow the team's Honda engine to show its class.

BAR's tyre supplier Michelin is confident that it has prepared well for the event. However, that optimism came before Michael Schumacher shattered the Jerez lap record in recent testing trying out Brazilian-spec tyres from Bridgestone.