Honda claimed only six points last season and Button described the car as "a dog", but the arrival of new boss Ross Brawn has made Button optimistic.

He told BBC Five Live: "We could be challenging to win races in 2009, and also challenging for the championship.

"I think we have some real technical direction with Ross Brawn in the team."

Brawn spent 10 years at Ferrari, guiding the Italian giants to six consecutive constructors' championships between 1999 and 2004 before taking a sabbatical last year.

And Button is delighted Brawn has decided to make his return to the sport with Honda.

"When I heard Ross was going to become part of the team I was so, so happy.

"It is one of the best things that could happen to the team and it really shows Honda's focus to achieve for them to employ someone with so much talent.

606: DEBATE How will Honda do next season?

"As Michael Schumacher said of Ross, he is the 'super-brain' of Formula One. If he cannot help us win a championship then we do not deserve to be here.

"Last season was very frustrating. But towards the end of the year we realised what our issues were and we put them right, not just in terms of improving the car but also in terms of personnel.

"We were lacking some quality aerodynamicists but we have them now, and they have come in with some great ideas.

"I think we can achieve a lot in the future and we are all going to work very hard."

However, Button also voiced a note of caution, making it clear that he does not expect success to be instant.

"I think we will make a good step forward in 2008 from last year, although that isn't really that hard," he added.

"But we are not going to be winning races and I don't want people to think that because it is not the case.

"The important thing is to start with a good car and improve every race to get closer to Ferrari and McLaren - Ross is a big part of that.

"If we have a competitive car by the end of next season, then I will be very happy for 2008.

"But I think we need to concentrate on now and do the hard work that will pay off for the future."