British GP qualifying: Jenson Button took risks to qualify third

The Briton was one of several drivers to improve dramatically at the end of Q3 as the damp Silverstone circuit continued to dry after a mid-session shower.

Button briefly held second during the hectic end to qualifying before being bumped onto the second row, but he said the result was a reward for the team's call to go out again on slicks.

"I felt I could read the conditions really well, and then it came to the last timed lap that meant everything," he said.

"I said to everyone 'I have wheelspin in a straight line' and they said 'push, [you] have nothing to lose and we have to take the risks to gain a position at the moment'.

"So I pushed. It was a very aggressive lap but it worked, so big thanks to the team for the call.

"Being third here in front of home crowd here really means a lot, I will go to bed very happy tonight."

NO ISSUES WITH DENNIS

Button added it was a good response to the pre-weekend comments from returning McLaren CEO Ron Dennis, who had suggested the 2009 world champion needed to try harder.

"He [Dennis] is watching this I am sure. One result doesn't mean anything, we have talked since and I think there is a mutual respect there.

"When we all want things to improve quicker than what they are, we maybe say things in the press that maybe we shouldn't."

Despite securing his best qualifying result since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, Button admitted it would be difficult to translate that into a second podium of the season.

"We have to be realistic," he said. "I want to be optimistic and positive about fighting for a podium [and] if it is like today with these conditions it is possible.

"But in a standard dry race it is very tricky."