Button targets points finish

The Briton qualified his BAR-Honda in third place on the grid but was demoted 10 places because he changed his engine after Friday's practice sessions.

It was clear Button was aiming for pole position at Hockenheim to lose fewer places on the grid. But the pace of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari and a rejuvenated Juan Pablo Montoya in the Williams were too strong to overcome.

Button is keeping his chin up, though, and is targeting big points in Sunday's race.

"It's difficult because we've been very strong here in long runs," said the Brit. "It's disappointing to be 13th on the grid but these things happen. I've been lucky not to have any [engine] failures in the races this year. We all make mistakes sometimes. There is a good chance we can get points here and that is our aim, and hopefully not just one or two."

Team boss David Richards said Button was not necessarily running a light fuel load

"You'll have to wait until tomorrow," he said. "But it is a little frustrating. Sometimes weekends like this one really test the team. We anticipated where Jenson would fit into the grid, so whether he is running light or heavy he'll be quick tomorrow. The pace is going to be competitive at the front, but the first few corners can be pretty traumatic around here. I think it's reasonable to expect Jenson to be as high as fifth tomorrow if he does a good job."

Crucially Button is in front of the Sauber of Giancarlo Fisichella, who is thought to be carrying several litres of extra fuel on board and will likely hold up those behind him for several laps.

Team-mate Takuma Sato recovered from his accident in practice in the morning, but rued the fact he had lost crucial time to set-up his car. He will start eighth.

"I did everything I could but, because I lost so much time this morning, I couldn't manage to do anything better," he said. "It was quite difficult to get a feeling for the car, so I'm not that satisfied."