Willis: More to Come from Button

Jenson Button will gain confidence and build on his maiden podium finish in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang, according to BAR-Honda technical director Geoff Willis.

Button, 24, finally ended his search for a top-three finish at the 68th attempt when he came home in third place in the Sepang race behind world champion Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, of Williams.

And now Willis is convinced that the young Englishman can go on and achieve major things after getting the podium monkey off his back.

"Jenson has been the bridesmaid for so long that to get on the podium is very strong," said Willis, who worked with Button during his debut season at Williams in 2000 and who urged BAR to sign him.

"I think in the back of your mind as soon as you have broken into that then you know you can do it again. It was a very good drive from Jenson. He matures quickly. He has a lot of experience. He is very smooth and calm and not easily ruffled.

"He is stepping up and gets more confidence all of the time. I have been very confident with Jenson from when David (Richards) and I talked about getting him in the car. I certainly wanted him in the car and he is doing what we wanted."

Button had finished fourth on five occasions during his first four years in Formula One but he is beginning to realise his potential with BAR.

But Willis also issued Button with a warning against getting carried away by his Malaysian Grand Prix performance, although he promised that progress is being made towards the Briton's and BAR's first victory.

"Nobody ever wins suddenly," Willis added. "It might appear suddenly to come from nowhere but it is steady progress. Now we are close enough to start fighting with the top teams but we don't want to get complacent."