Jenson Button is confident the 2009 regulations could see Honda once again at to the podium and perhaps even the top step.

Next year's championship will see a whole host of new rules introduced into Formula One, including new aerodynamic regulations, slick tyres and KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).

And the Brit reckons these rules could play into Honda's hands, perhaps even yielding the team's first win since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

"The last two years have been very difficult for all of us, but I think we have a very strong team and we have a real passion for racing, so things will come good for us," he told the 25,000 Honda fans gathered at the end-of-season 'Honda Racing Thanks Day' at Motegi earlier this week.

"I've already seen what is happening with the car for next year, and it looks very positive.

"It feels more like 2006, when I got three podiums and I won my first race. So it's all very positive, and I'm hoping to get some more wins next year."