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Button unfazed by losing pole to Red Bull

World championship leader Jenson Button says he is not worried by the pace of rivals Red Bull Racing and Renault, despite being outqualified for the first time this season at the Chinese Grand Prix

The Brawn GP driver could only manage fifth place on the grid for today's Shanghai race, but he is optimistic about the race form of his car.

"It's not a disappointment because we are still up there, we are still fourth and fifth, so it's not really a big issue," said Button "It's just going to be very tough to come away with a victory. It makes it interesting, especially starting fifth on the grid.

"People have won races from a lot further back in normal circumstances so, with the way things are and the different fuel loads in Formula 1, and obviously the difference in the soft and hard tyres, there is a lot to play for, and I think it makes for a very exciting race. Not an easy one for us though."

With the Brawn cars heavier with fuel than the Red Bull and Renaults ahead of it, team principal Ross Brawn is bullish about the chances for the race.

"If you take fuel into consideration, obviously we still look to be the quickest," he said. "But the difficulty will be getting in the right place at the right time.

"I imagine that the light-fuelled teams will start on the option - and that lasts six or seven laps. Then it will be interesting to see what happens then."

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