Button enjoys last Suzuka outing

"I'm reasonably pleased with fourth place here today," said the Honda driver.

"We had a solid race and I think we did the best job possible given the fight going on for the championship. We started a little better and I overtook a Renault off the line. The tyres came good and we were able to get past the Toyotas.

"Again, the team did an amazing job in the pitstops; we've been right up there since Hockenheim. We just haven't quite got enough to beat the two championship contenders right now, but we will get there, trust me."

The Briton, however, was sad to complete his final race at Suzuka, with the Japanese Grand Prix taking place at Fuji next season.

"I'm very sad that we won't be coming back to Suzuka next season because this feels like a home Grand Prix for me. For now though, it's nice to get another fourth place and pick up five more points for myself and the team," he added.

Teammate Rubens Barrichello had a poor race after making contact with Nick Heidfeld at the start. The Brazilian was forced to come into the pits for repairs on the opening lap and went on to finish down in 12th position.

"It was very unfortunate that I had another coming together with Heidfeld," he said. "He closed the door really fast and I had nowhere else to go so I locked wheels and tapped him. Sadly, I damaged the front wing. After that I was very fast but this is Suzuka where it's very difficult to overtake.

"A disappointing result for me in front of our home crowd but I still have my own home race in Brazil to look forward to and hopefully we can do better there and end the season on a high."