(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-04 09:48

LONDON - Ross Brawn's arrival as Honda team boss has put a smile back on Jenson Button's face after a nightmare 2007 season.

"Honda is looking very exciting for the future," the British Formula One driver told Reuters Television at Wembley Stadium ahead of the December 16 'Race of Champions' event. "2008 I think is going to be a good year.

"I don't think you can say we will be challenging for the championship, because we won't be strong enough at the first race -- coming from where we were to winning the championship has never been done before," added Button.

"So we're pushing very hard for a good car and for me the most important thing is to see improvements at every race we go to next season and a lot of that will be down to Ross and the aerodynamics of the car.

"Hopefully towards the end of the year we can get some very positive results."

Button, 27, had hoped to challenge for the title this year after taking his first race victory in Hungary in 2006. Instead, he scored just six points -- his team's entire tally from 17 races.

Brawn, the tactical mastermind behind retired German Michael Schumacher's seven titles at Benetton and Ferrari, arrived at Honda Racing in November after taking a year's sabbatical.

"Before he opens his mouth it lifts the team because of what he has achieved," said Button.

"He comes with a lot of experience and he also falls into a role that we haven't had for a long time, the leadership on the technical side. And that's what we need," said Button.

"We have some great ideas within the team but I don't think people recognise them. With Ross there, it will make a big difference."

Button said the team had already made some 'massive improvements' but Brawn's arrival was the boost everyone needed.

"Before Ross arrived at the team I was excited about the future because of the people we've employed and are employing, a few people are arriving on the first of January when they are allowed to.

"But when I heard that Ross was thinking of coming to Honda, I had a big smile on my face. It is is the best news we've had with Honda for a long time."