Button buoyed by McLaren's pace

Button finished in second place behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton after Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel made contact while fighting for the lead.

Both Button and Hamilton, however, were right behind the Red Bull duo for most of the race.

The current world champion admitted his team's pace had been very encouraging after weeks of Red Bull dominance.

"The pace of our car was very good and it was great to be battling with the Red Bulls," said Button, five points behind championship leader Webber.

"So many times we have seen them disappear into the distance.

"I had a battle with Lewis at the end," added the Briton, who also made contact with his team-mate while battling for the lead.

"We were both told to save fuel but it's always difficult to know how much and when Lewis got back past me I was told to keep saving and I think it got a bit critical towards the end.

"It was fun to battle at the end with Lewis. We got a 1-2 so the team should be happy with the result this weekend. A few weeks ago you could say we might not be able to challenge the Red Bulls, so we have to say thanks to the team."

He added: "The pace of the car was good. As soon as the Red Bulls were out of way we picked up the pace. It was a good fun race.

"It's nice to be battling at front, where the car should be, so great job from the whole team improving the car. We are so much closer to the Red Bulls now."