Button hindered by electronic problem

The Honda driver said his car was undriveable after the problem affected the traction control during the second part of qualifying.

Button failed to make it to the final shootout and will have to start tomorrow's race from 14th place.

"We had a good car today so it's very disappointing to have the electronic problem and be starting the final race of the year from 14th on the grid," said Button. "The issue affected the traction control massively and the car was undriveable at the end of Q1.

"The team tried to address the problem but there was only time for a quick fix and it didn't solve it. I obviously wanted to end the season on a high and we had a good opportunity to do that but now we'll have a bit of a battle on our hands to fight our way through the field."

Teammate Rubens Barrichello enjoyed a much better day, the Brazilian finishing in fifth position.

"I'm very happy - it's been a good day," he said. "The team has done a great job to get the car back to where it belongs after the issues that we had during practice yesterday. I was able to extract everything out of the car today and my last lap was really good, so I have to be happy with that.

"I'm looking forward to the race tomorrow as we have a good strategy, plus we have two Brazilians in the top five which is very good for our home race."