Button overwhelmed by fans' support

And the championship leader reckons that kind of enthusiasm is what could get the Northamptonshire circuit back on the Formula 1 calendar next year.

"It's amazing," Button told reporters after qualifying. "I've just been over to the autograph stand, and it's quite scary walking over the bridge and seeing how many people there are on the other side. It's amazing to see so many fans here.

"We were giggling to ourselves in the car because I can't remember a race this busy, this year anyway, I'm sure the British Grand Prix was last year.

"But it is just amazing to see so many British fans, and fans of F1 in general, here. And it is Saturday, you know Sunday is the big day and I don't think you will be able to move out there, which is great.

"Everybody realises that people love coming here to Silverstone and it is good place to view a Formula 1 race, and there is a great atmosphere here so that's the reason why there might be a chance of us racing here next year."

Although the British Grand Prix is expected to move to Donington next year, both F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Max Mosley has suggested the race could still take place at Silverstone.