Button welcomes first row slot

Button was not happy with the handling of his car following yesterday's sessions, but after some overnight work the Briton felt more comfortable and could fight for pole position.

He was beaten by Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella, but Button admitted second place was good enough.

"Yesterday we were struggling with the car set-up but a lot of hard work overnight and we are here," said Button. "The car is working a lot better today I have to thank the team for all their hard work overnight and turning it around and making it this good.

"I am happy with second. It would be nicer to be first but it is okay."

With track temperatures going well over 40 degrees, Button is expecting a tough race tomorrow but is hopeful his team are ready.

"It is going to be tough for everything, drivers, car, engine tyres," added the Honda driver. "It is never easy, it is always hot and humid but we are very well prepared for tomorrow and now we just have to work out if out strategy is the right one."