Button glad to be back in top ten

The Honda driver had qualified in the top ten just once this year, at Monaco, but he repeated the feat on Saturday after finishing in 10th.

Button reckons he will be able to fight for his second points finish of the season if he manages a good start.

"I'm really pleased to have made it through into the top ten for the first time in quite a while," said Button. "It took some time to really get to grips with the car this afternoon and it wasn't working well for the first few runs. However, we made improvements over the three sessions and got the best out of the car in the end.

"The car is also looking after the tyres well which shows that it is mechanically sound. If I can get a good start from 10th tomorrow then we have to be aiming for the points. Strategy will be crucial and I'm confident we have a good race package, but it will also depend on the performance and reliability of the teams in front of us.

"This is a step forward and although we're unlikely to be scoring good points this season, it has given a boost to everyone here and back at the factory and is a small reward for all the hard work."

Teammate Rubens Barrichello completed Honda's best showing of the season with 12th position, although the Brazilian reckons he had pace for more.

Barrichello, however, went off during his final run and lost the chance to follow Button into the final session.

"We had the pace to get through to the final qualifying session so it was disappointing to just miss out today," he said. "My first flying lap was the one which really counted and I was already two tenths up at Parabolica, but unfortunately I just got a little too close to Wurz and the car lost downforce which cost me some time.

"On the second lap, the tyres had gone off a little but I had to push hard nonetheless as we had a good chance of getting through. I ran wide at turn seven and lost the opportunity. When I rejoined the track it was in front of Fisichella, who was on his crucial lap.

"I'm sorry if I caused him a problem but I had nowhere else to go in that situation other than to get back on track. We have to look at our performance today as an improvement; the car felt good around here, and P12 gives us a chance to fight for a point tomorrow."