Button Confident Despite 'Terrible' Lap

Button had only been fifth fastest in first qualifying but was able to lap quicker than Mark Webber and then benefited further when Michael Schumacher got it all wrong and ruined his lap by running off the track.

And although there is a slight time gap to the two cars ahead of him, Button believes that his strategy should leave him well placed for a good show in the race.

"We have been very strong today," said Button. "I think yesterday we were hampered by the early qualifying position but I think we have shown our speed today. We have a very, very good strategy for the race and I am positive we can give these two guys a run for their money and it is great to be back in this position again, fighting at the front."

Button also admitted that his qualifying lap had actually been far from ideal - even though it had helped move him up the grid.

"No, it was terrible," he said. "It was very, very slippery and when I got to the top of the hill, the top chicane where the kerbs are, I hit the first kerb so hard and it sent me a bit sideways. So that cost me a bit of time but all in all it is a reasonably good lap time."