Button laments wrong tyre choice

The Honda driver, who had looked competitive for most of the weekend, endured a disappointing day after failing to make it to Q2, having to settle for 16th position.

Button believes he paid the price for using the wrong tyres for his final run.

"It was a really disappointing qualifying today, particularly as we have been quick all weekend," said Button.

"My first run on the prime tyres was good but we simply chose the wrong tyre for my final run in Q1. I had no grip with the option and it just wasn't very competitive for us.

"My final run was slower than my prime run, which shouldn't happen on a circuit which is improving all the time. I'm really disappointed as we have improved the car but today we didn't make the most of that."

Teammate Rubens Barrichello completed a dismal day for Honda, the Brazilian finishing down in 19th position after struggling with the balance of his car.

"It has been an incredibly frustrating day for us today," he said. "We were not able to find a balance on the car in practice this morning which affected our preparations for qualifying.

"This afternoon I particularly struggled with rear locking which cost me a lot of time as I wasn't able to attack the lap. It's very disappointing to be starting the first race here from so far back on the grid."