Button is hoping for his best race of the season in Japan

The 24-year-old Englishman believes his BAR-Honda will be well suited to the demanding 3.6-mile Suzuka track that hosts the race.

"Suzuka is a very special circuit in itself and I think our car and package will work well there," Button said.

"We know we can be fast having finished fourth and sixth there last year, so I am expecting a lot from the race."

The Japanese race will be the 100th Grand Prix for Button's BAR team, and engine supplier Honda has promised a boost in power for its home race.

Button finished a close second behind Rubens Barrichello's winning Ferrari in China two weeks ago and BAR will be hoping to go one better and break their duck.

The car should be competitive at this circuit Geoff Willis BAR technical director

"Our car changes direction very well, which is important for the particular characteristics of the circuit," Button said.

BAR are hoping the race will consolidate their advantage over Renault in the battle for second place in the constructors' championship behind Ferrari.

Technical director Geoff Willis said: "Despite our nine-point advantage over Renault, second place is certainly not yet guaranteed, so we will be ensuring that we take minimum risks in Suzuka to maintain and, we hope, extend our lead.

"The car should be competitive at this circuit, which requires good aerodynamic efficiency, stability and change of direction.

"We have a number of small developments on the engine and chassis, which we hope will help in qualifying and the race.

"Despite our confidence in the car's performance, we expect both the Ferraris and the McLarens to be very strong here as well.

"Our target, as always, will be to get good points finishes from both cars and possibly a podium place. However, we must keep our primary objective in focus - to leave Suzuka with our lead over Renault extended."