Button Hindered by Tyre Problems

The Briton had hoped to be challenging for a podium finish thanks to an improved aerodynamics package, but he found himself battling with the handling of his car for much of the afternoon.

"It was a difficult day for us," he said. "Our pace was slow and we suffered with rear graining right from the start. We were on the hard tyre as well, so we didn't expect to get the graining. In fact that's the reason why we took that tyre.

"I struggled particularly on the last section of the circuit, through the fast corner and onto the straight, where we had big oversteer. So not a great day but at least we picked up a couple more points and have a decent qualifying position for Suzuka."

Button's teammate Takuma Sato fared little better, having had to start from the back of the grid after his 10-place penalty for crashing with Michael Schumacher in Spa and an engine change.

He eventually finished in 10th place - which at least gives him a fairly decent qualifying slot for his home race in Japan.

"We started with damp conditions today and I had a lot of fuel on board which meant the car was very heavy," said Sato. "I also had a low downforce set-up so it was very difficult to get heat into the tyres for the first few laps.

"The car was tough to drive with low grip and sliding quite a bit. As the track dried and the car got lighter, my pace picked up and we were on target for our strategy. I then had a mechanical problem with the rear suspension so the car was bouncing a lot and losing stability.

"At least I am pleased to have brought the car home safely. I now look forward to my home race at Suzuka."