Barrichello delighted with Q1 lap

It was the first time Formula One's most experienced driver had made it into the second part of qualifying since the Canadian GP in June, ten races ago.

"It was a really nice lap to progress into Q2 today as I had a slow out-lap because everyone was backed up and I was worried about the lack of grip, so it was a really good effort," said the 36-year-old. "I then had probably my best lap around this circuit to make a 1:36.079 by getting everything possible out of the car.

"I don't think we would have been able to produce anything more than that.

"I'm pleased with our performance today, particularly after the difficulties that we had in practice yesterday, so we can be very satisfied with our grid position for the race tomorrow."

Teammate Jenson Button was less pleased with his car's performance and will start the Chinese GP from 18th on the grid.

"We just weren't able to find a good balance this afternoon with a real lack of front grip on the prime tyres and difficulty with traction out of the corners," he said. "We need to look into why this happened and why we were unable to get the best out of the car. It will be a tough race from here tomorrow."