Button, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Monday, became the first driver to break the one minute 15 seconds barrier at the track as he powered round in his hybrid BAR car in 1:14.607.

Test times can be misleading and only BAR know what fuel loads and tyres Button – almost two seconds quicker than team-mate Takuma Sato – was running when he set the searing lap.

But it is a promising outing for Button, watched by team chief David Richards, after his initial test of the year in Jerez was hampered by problems with his Honda engine.

Button will help launch BAR’s 2004 challenger in Barcelona on February 1 and if he can maintain his pre-season pace when the campaign gets underway in Australia in March then a first podium finish should be within his grasp.

Schumacher was delighted with his first outing since he clinched his record sixth drivers’ crown in the season finale in Japan last October.

The 35-year-old German always takes a long winter break to recharge his batteries but has returned insisting his motivation to carry on racing was as strong as ever.

“How nice it is to be back,” said Schumacher. “I was a bit nervous but I have to say it really went well and to see all the guys again was just beautiful.

“I could feel their motivation. We are fully on schedule with the work we have planned.”

Schumacher was driving an F2003 car and will help unveil Ferrari’s latest challenger at their Maranello headquarters in Italy on Monday.