Honda is expected to sign a new five-year deal with BAR, having been on the verge of pulling out.

And Honda Racing Development president Shoichi Tanaka admitted that a lot of the about turn was due to the performances of Jenson Button.

Speaking in the build-up to this weekend's United States Grand Prix, Tanaka said: "The executive board had become very frustrated at the lack of success.

"They would have stopped this year, but there has been such an improvement that the board is ready to sign a new contract.

In the eight races this year, Button has had six podium finishes, including two second places. BAR is currently third in the constructors championship.