Brazilian GP: Jenson Button says McLaren turned "a disaster" around

The 2009 world champion complained that the team was "nowhere" after free practice on Friday, but the MP4-29 was transformed on Saturday, allowing Button to slot in behind the dominant Mercedes and Williams cars in qualifying.

"Yesterday was a disaster," Button told reporters after qualifying at Interlagos.

"We knew what the issue was but it was too late to change it back so we had to wait until this morning to make set-up changes.

"I think we've done a very good job of developing the set-up over today and through qualifying.

"I'm happy with P5 - I don't think we could have done anymore. Fair play to the team."

Button hinted on Friday that he hoped McLaren could fix its difficulties by reverting to a previous set-up, and he explained on Saturday that had proved to be the case.

"We had something on the car that was to help some issues that we've had," he said.

"We've had a vibration for a little while and were just trying to get rid of it.

"It helped that but the car was pretty bad to drive. It destroyed the balance.

"I said 'do we want to go back?' and we did - and today the car has been working much better.

"I didn't think we would be fifth on the grid and I don't think anyone in the team did. We did a good job."

Despite the turnaround in fortunes putting him in the mix with the leaders, Button admitted that he expects to be focused on the cars behind him rather than those ahead during the race.

"The first four cars are way too quick for us so if we can stay fifth or stay close to the cars in front and see them at the end of the race that will be a nice finish," he said.

"We'll see how it plays out tomorrow but it's going to be a good battle from me back to 10th.

"It's so close in times [behind] and hopefully we can put on a great show.

"The aim is to try and keep the pack behind and stay as close to the cars in front in case there is a bit of action.

"I think that the Williams might be quick in the race so that could mix it up at the front and we want to be ready to pounce if something happens."