Honda should aim for title in 2009

Honda should be in a position to come back strongly this year and be Formula One championship contenders in 2009, Jenson Button said on Saturday.

"I think we will be a lot closer to the front in 2008, and in 2009 we have to be fighting for the world championship," the driver said on stage at the Autosport International show in Birmingham.

"If we can get to that position with a good car, then this team will win the world championship. As a team, we are very, very strong," he added.

Since then, former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has joined as team principal and Honda are confident they have corrected the aerodynamic failings of last year's car.

"I'm so happy that we've got Ross," said Button. "When he first walked into the team, there was the biggest round of applause I've ever seen.

"On his own he's not going to turn the team around but I think that everyone is positive and doing a great job. He's fitted in quicker than everyone imagined and the way of working in the team has changed a lot already."