Renault shows 'true potential'

Button qualified just outside the top 10 in Australia two weeks ago and crashed out of the race at the first corner. But the young Brit put in an impressive performance to take eighth place on the grid in Malaysia, despite having to use the spare car due to engine trouble.

Renault F1 operations manager Denis Chevrier said: "Today we saw the car's potential confirmed. Following an engine problem, Jenson was forced to make his final run in the spare car, which only endorses his performance."

Button was equally pleased: "I was pleased with my first run, even though I didn't push too hard. The problem meant I had to make the final run in the T-car, so it was good to improve. Overall I'm happy with what we achieved."

Button's team-mate Jarno Trull had a more troublesome time with the Italian struggling to find a balance with his car, leaving him in 12th. Trulli said: "Overall it hasn't been a good weekend for me so far."