Button ready for Bahrain test

Jenson Button believes next week’s Bahrain test could make or break his dream of a maiden Formula One win this year.

Button and his Honda team have been in impressive form so far in testing, showing good reliability while consistently being among the fastest in Spain.

But Button will have a change of scenery next week when Honda are among several teams flying to the Bahrain International Circuit, host of the first race of 2006, for warm-weather testing.

The 26-year-old believes next week will be the most crucial of the winter for Honda.

After completing two intensive days of testing at Jerez, he said: “We’ve had two great days for putting mileage on the car, covering 139 laps on the first day and 119 laps yesterday.

“There have been a few small issues over the test but we have solved these.

“It’s been good to get so many laps in before the Bahrain test next week which will probably be the most important test of the year for us.”

Button has so far held the upper hand over new team-mate Rubens Barrichello, who is still settling into Honda after his January arrival from Ferrari.

The Brazilian said: “Looking at the test overall, Jenson has had some positive running and our pace seems competitive so I think the signs are very encouraging.”