Button Pleased with Top Ten Spot

Briton Jenson Button was pleased with a top ten position in today's qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit.

The Renault driver, benefitting from the latest spec engine from the French manufacturer, completed a promising day for his team after posting the tenth fastest time of the day despite nearly succumbing to a mechanical problem.

The team said the telemetry showed Button was lucky to cross the finish line before his car stopped.

"A good qualifying for me, compared with the last two races, in Monza and Indianapolis," admitted Button after qualifying. "It's great to be in the top ten again. Everything has worked fine during the session and I could even have improved my time.

"All my runs were clear but I made a slight mistake on my last one into the chicane I got crossed up and went sideways, losing a bit of time there. Fortunately I made up a lot of ground in the last two sectors."

Teammate Jarno Trulli finished right behind Button, the Italian's progress being hampered by the delay caused by the crash of Toyota's Allan McNish.

"I am quite disappointed with my qualifying today, after the weekend had looked more promising," said the Italian. "I had a good first part of the session, but after the break I just couldn't keep up with the others, who in the meantime had got quicker. Now, I just have to look ahead and do my best for tomorrow's race."