Button admits Honda's malaise in Malaysia

After starting the season in disastrous fashion at Albert Park in Melbourne nearly three weeks ago, the Japanese team were hoping for signs of improvement at Sepang after successfully testing a front wing during a four-day stint at the circuit last week.

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However, despite improving from a lowly 20th to 15th position in the second run of the day, Button remained downbeat about his chances for the weekend.

"Nothing's changed, which is the worrying thing," he said.

"We just need to sit down and discuss what we're going to do, how we're going to find a way out of this.

"The car feels better than it did in Melbourne but we're no quicker than we were there and we thought we would be. We're basically struggling.

"In testing we didn't have any problems with rear locking and braking, the car was pretty stable and it meant you had the confidence to break late and turn in when you want.

"It was great in the test. The surface temperature's a little bit higher here than the test but we still don't know why we're so far off the pace.

"It's not a tyre wear issue, they're not wearing, it's a grip issue and the tyres are sliding about."

However the 27-year-old, who won his maiden Grand Prix in Hungary last year, at least remained philosophical about the situation and is optimistic the Honda package will show genuine improvement when the Formula One season returns to Europe.

"It's always more frustrating starting a season badly when you think this could be the one, when you think you've got a chance for challenging the championship," he added.

"But we've known for months that the car wasn't good enough.

"Now it's about improvement and it's not about little things like a slightly different front wing.

"We've just got to get through the next few races and get back to Europe where we can get a few new parts put on the car.

"I know everybody's working extremely hard back at the factory to turn the situation around."