Benetton Boosted by Double Points Finish

Briton Jenson Button said that he was shocked at finishing fifth in the German Grand Prix, but claimed that his Benetton team deserved the double points finish.

Button finished one place behind teammate Giancarlo Fisichella to record the team's best result of the season and the youngster predicted that it will be the turning point for struggling Benetton.

"This isn't a result we obtained just because lots of cars fell off - we genuinely had good pace," said Button. "I didn't think we would be in the points, but I thought we'd be very consistent.

"It was very well balanced and I think we were quicker that the Jordan and BAR's when we were running the same fuel loads. It's great that both Giancarlo and I were in the points and I think this is the biggest boost the team has had all year. A track like this highlighted our potential - and our reliability."

Teammate Fisichella, who finished fourth, praised the work of his mechanics and said he was delighted with his own impressive performance. The Italian, however, nearly threw it all away two laps from the end when he went off the track.

"I am very happy, for Jenson and myself," Fisichella said. "I made a good first start, but didn't get away so well the second time because the drivers ahead closed the door and I lost few places. I drove conservatively in the early stages and saved enough fuel to do a slightly longer first stint than planned.

"When I rejoined I was ahead of Jenson and things continued to go well, although I ran slightly wide near the end and lost a bit of time. The whole result is great for the team and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make it possible and a special thanks to Michelin whose tyres were excellent in every respect."