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Button: Step forward

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Jenson Button has conceded that Honda "still have a long way to go" after they completed their pre-season testing at Jerez this week.

Button, together with Rubens Barrichello and test driver Alex Wurz, was in action at the Spanish circuit, running with the team's latest aerodynamic and mechanical developments.

The test programme focused on the evaluation of the new parts to confirm the final specification for the first three flyaway races, along with qualifying, race start and race procedures.

The three drivers completed 603 laps, over 2670 kms of running, although no lap times were released by Honda.

Very useful

Button did declare that the test was satisfactory, but added that Honda still have some way to go before they return to the sort of form that saw him take his first grand prix win in Hungary two seasons ago.

"Our final test before the start of the season went well this week and it was very useful to evaluate the new developments that we have on the car," he said.

"We completed some long run work in preparation for the race weekends and I was pleased that we have made a step forward in terms of performance.

"We are realistic about our expectations for the first few races and know that we still have a long way to go."

Team-mate Barrichello added: "I drove the car in the launch specification and with the new aero package this week, which was very useful to provide a direct performance comparison.

"Today I completed a lot of running with the new developments which was very beneficial.

"It is difficult to know where we are compared to the competition as we were testing privately, but I definitely feel we have taken a step in the right direction.

"We have improved the car and I feel comfortable that we are well prepared for the start of the season."