Briton Jenson Button intends to make a more aggressive start to the new Formula One season than his debut last year.

But he warned at the launch of Benetton's new B201 in Venice that the team was slightly behind schedule for the first race in Australia on March 4th.

"I am a lot more experienced and I can push a bit harder on the circuits because I know them, I know where all the little bumps are and things like that," said the 21-year-old, who raced for Williams in 2000. Button has said his debut in Melbourne last year was an eye-opener and he crashed in practice.

Benetton have a new and revolutionary Renault engine this season and have said they are aiming to consolidate and improve on their third place overall last year rather than challenge for the title.

"From what I have seen it looks good for the end of the season and it would be nice to get some podiums," said Button, who finished eighth overall last year with fourth place his highest finish to date.

Button became the youngest ever points scorer in Formula One in an impressive debut season before he was loaned to Benetton for two years.