Button delighted with 'special' pole

The Honda driver, who is still to score his maiden victory after 102 Grand Prix starts, emerged on top of the times after beating Renault rivals Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso, second and third respectively today.

Button had last been on pole at last year's Canadian Grand Prix.

The British driver admitted qualifying, hit by rain and filled with incident, had been hectic, but he was happy to have emerged on top.

"The whole day has been pretty manic with the weather but we were a little bit off the pace when it started, struggling for grip, so to get pole is fantastic and shows if we stayed focussed and relaxed we can get pole," said Button.

"Honda have done a fantastic job the last few weeks, so it's good to repay them with pole. Not the end result but a good start.

"It was a very hectic session and I am sure the fans really enjoyed it. It was mad for us, getting laptime in and it is a special feeling being on pole here."

Button's happiness was in contrast with the disappointment of teammate Rubens Barrichello, who failed to make the cut in the first session.