It's great to finish a race, says Button

"It is great to finish the race and be competitive for once," said Button, who joined Benetton this year after a successful debut season with Williams-BMW in 2000.

"It was good to finish the race in the top 10, even if it is a little frustrating to be out of the points, but the main thing is it is nice to be racing for something for a change. It was good fun and I hope we can sort out the problems we have had recently in order for us to chase points at every race."

Button said the result was not down to major development work but just that the street circuit suited the car.

"There was some slight changes on the car, but nothing major. It was more the fact that this was a good circuit for us," he added. "I did the job today by staying on the track and it is one of the toughest circuits to do that on. I had some brushes with the barriers, but I managed to stay away from anything really risky."

The result was also welcome relief from the pressure of being outperformed by his team mate. Giancaro Fisichella, who has enjoyed more success this season, crashed out of the race at Ste Devote when his car stuck in gear on lap 44.