Button laments lack of grip

The Honda Racing team failed to repeat their Monaco Grand Prix performance, and both Button and teammate Rubens Barrichello were unable to get into the top ten.

"We really struggled with the grip levels in qualifying this afternoon," admitted Button after qualifying down in 15th position.

"The car just didn't feel like it did during practice this morning and had very low grip all round the circuit.

"I've qualified well here over the past few years but unfortunately not today. It's very disappointing for myself and the whole team, but we have to look at the data now and try to make the best of our package for the race tomorrow."

Barrichello was happier with his qualifying effort after finishing in 13th position.

The Brazilian, however, reckoned he could have had a chance of going into the final shootout had he not made a mistake during his run.

"It was a good qualifying session today and I like the balance of the car," said the Brazilian. "Unfortunately I lost some time into the hairpin when I ran a little wide on the marbles and with that I lost the chance to go into the top ten.

"I'm still feeling positive for the race tomorrow however as the car has a good balance and seems to be working better on the old tyres than the new."