Jenson Button hoping for successful McLaren partnership with Fernando Alonso

This will be the first season Alonso and Button have been team-mates in F1 since 2002, when Button raced for Renault and Alonso was the team's test driver.

There had been suspicions that they would have contrasting car preferences for their respective driving styles, which could hinder development of the new MP4-30, as AUTOSPORT's technical consultant Gary Anderson considered when Button's 2015 deal was secured.

However, Button reckons early simulator running at McLaren's Woking base suggests he and Alonso will want similar things from the McLaren-Honda MP4-30.

"From the data I've seen from the simulator and the feedback I get from Fernando, I think we like a similar car, which is very important in terms of shaping and moulding the car in a certain direction," said Button during the team's online launch.

"I'm looking forward to the partnership - hopefully it will be a good one."

McLaren has opted for the most experienced driver line-up on the grid by pairing Alonso and Button.

Button reckons that experience will be vital in accelerating Honda's development, having joined the current V6 hybrid turbo formula a year later than its rivals.

"Fernando is a very experienced driver and a very complete driver - as you would expect from a double world champion," Button added.

"It's great for me. I love having a team-mate that pushes me hard but also has the experience to give great feedback.

"Having a younger driver in the team is exciting, but I would always prefer an experienced team-mate because you never stop learning in Formula 1.

"Fernando and I have raced for many different teams and we come together with all this experience that can really help the team grow."