Button tops Friday practice

The 20-year-old beat the entire field after the first day's action of the European Grand Prix - and admitted he even surprised himself.

But he was not reading too much into his position as the leading drivers spent most of the day working on the race step-up for Sunday.

Even so, today was a boost for team engine suppliers BMW at their home Grand Prix. Button notched up his first 'first' and team-mate Ralf Schumacher sixth.

"Being on top is a surprise," he admitted. "In qualifying when everyone is running the same it is going to be very difficult to repeat this, but hopefully we can be close."

"It is a great way to boost my confidence being top of the lists, but I cannot say too much because a lot of the people were not trying.

"I am not getting too excited yet because it is certainly a good feeling and I am quietly confident for the race."

"There's lots more left in our car yet."

On Thursday, Button admitted he would be prepared to settle for a less competitive seat in Formula 1 next year if Williams decide to replace him Juan Pablo Montoya.

But he said he would do everything possible to keep his place at Williams and Frank Williams has said the only factor that would make up his mind would be Button's performance in the track.