Button makes testing debut with BAR.

Jenson Button embarked on his long-awaited first test with Lucky Strike BAR Honda today [Friday] at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain.

This was Button's first opportunity to spend some time trackside with his new team and joining him for his testing debut was team-mate Jacques Villeneuve.

Button is on track for days 1 and 2 of this three-day test and his focus will be tyre testing for Bridgestone, an engine programme for Honda and generally getting to know his engineers and mechanics.

At the wheel of this year's BAR Honda 004, Button left the garage for his first installation lap as soon as the track opened and he was on the pace from the off. He completed 52 laps and set a best time of 1 minute 22.536 seconds before an engine problem struck midway into the afternoon session, bringing his day's running to a close. Although disappointed to have lost track time and the chance of a faster lap, he was buoyant following an otherwise productive inaugural day.

Speaking at the end of today's session, BAR's new driver said: "I've had a good first day with the team. I was driving this year's car so, although I didn't get a taste of what I can expect next year, it felt well-balanced and good to drive. We did some good work this morning so it's a shame that we couldn't continue improving but today wasn't about how quick I am, it was about getting to grips with everything. I've settled in well and I feel part of the team already. I'm looking forward to another good day tomorrow."

Villeneuve enjoyed a trouble-free one-day programme, in which he completed 68 laps and set a best time of 1m 22.143s. He commented: "We had a good day today working mainly with Honda. We got plenty of laps in and everything was working well so it's good to leave my last 2002 test on a positive note."