Jenson Button wants a maiden podium finish this season after being given assurances his Formula 1 future is safe.

The 22-year-old was told he would drive for the Enstone-based Renault F1 team throughout the 2002 campaign, despite rumours his place was under threat.

"This is a vital year for me and I want to get more points and to get on the podium - I think that's a realistic aim," said Button at the launch of Renault's first car of their full Formula 1 comeback at their technical centre near Paris.

"It will be good to be competitive and to be battling with the top teams again after last season."

Button, who scored just two points last season for the then Benetton outfit he joined on loan from Williams, added: "I am a lot more optimistic about the start of this season than I was last year. I have learnt a lot from last year, but hopefully that will help me this because I am determined to do the best job possible.

"I have changed a few things around, and all I am focused on now is success in Formula 1."

Button's disappointing performances on the track sparked speculation that new test driver Fernando Alonso and ex-world champion Jacques Villeneuve were potential replacements.

But Button has since parted company with his management team, while Renault boss Flavio Briatore has detected his driver is far more committed.