Button looking for an upsurge at Monza; MOTORSPORT.

Byline: IAN PARKES

JENSON BUTTON is adamant he is "feeling positive," despite claims from others that he is a man under pressure.

Button's early-season charge has faltered alarmingly over the last five grands prix, in which he has taken just 11 points.

Throughout the slump, though, none of his championship rivals has been able to make significant inroads into his lead - which is still a healthy 16 points to Brawn GP team-mate Rubens Barrichello.

However, Button is convinced this weekend's Italian Grand Prix will play to the strengths of his car.

"Monza is a fantastic track, and I love the passion that the Italian fans bring to the race weekend," he said.

"The circuit is very different to most of the circuits we race on, because the car will be set up with the lowest levels of drag and downforce possible to take advantage of the long straights. It always takes a few laps to get used to - and because we haven't tested at Monza this season, the practice sessions will be very important.

"It's a circuit that should be reasonably good for our car if we get the handling right over the kerbs, so we're feeling positive and excited about the challenge."

CAPTION(S):

Jenson Button