Button frustrated to miss out on points

The Briton, on a two-stop strategy, reckons the two safety car periods played against him as he went on to finish in ninth place.

"It was one of those races today where luck and the timing of the safety car could make or break your race," said Button.

"Unfortunately luck was not on our side and the timing of the two safety cars hurt our two-stop strategy.

"In addition to that, we were just not competitive or quick enough as I was struggling for balance for much of the race. To finish in ninth position is always frustrating as you are just outside of the points."

Honda teammate Rubens Barrichello, on the other hand, benefited from the first safety car period, but an electrical problem meant the Brazilian was unable to materialise his luck.

Barrichello said he could have finished strongly.

"Coming into the race from 18th on the grid, we were obviously hoping for any eventuality to help us move further up the grid," he said.

"That opportunity came on lap 14 when my engineer made a brilliant call following Piquet's crash. I came into the pits just before the safety car was called and when I rejoined I would have been in a strong position.

"But then the engine just died. I had lots of fuel on board and my place was great because I had good pace and was keeping up with the whole group in front of me. So we could have had a great end to the race. We lost a great opportunity today and obviously I feel very sad about that."