Disappointed Button Thinking of 2006

The Briton had started the Shanghai race from a promising fourth place, but like it had happened in Japan last weekend he dropped down the order during the race, his BAR-Honda car unable to keep the same pace as in qualifying.

Button also lost out during the Safety Car periods and went on to finish down in eighth position.

"Today's result was obviously a disappointing way to end the season," said Button. "We lost out under the first safety car when we pitted and the safety car was in front of us.  The safety car should have waved us past, but as it didn't, Montoya sat behind it and that was it then, I lost about three places.

"In the first stint the car was good but towards the end it wasn't that much better than in Japan.  We just didn't make the final step up that we'd hoped for here.  It's been a long, hard season for all of us but we are all much stronger and more determined. 

"My thoughts are already turning to 2006 and I know we have a lot to look forward to next year. For now I just want to thank everyone in this team, at Honda, at Michelin and all our partners for their incredible support this year during some very difficult times.  We have a lot to look forward to together next season."

Button's day was still better than teammate Takuma Sato's, the Japanese driver retiring with a mechanical problem in his final race for the team.

"Today's race was a difficult one and the end result was disappointing because I was making good progress and a points finish looked possible," he said. "The gearbox problems I had been experiencing earlier in the race eventually forced me to retire which is a frustrating way to end the season and my time with BAR Honda. 

"It's been a tough year but it has been great to be a part of this team.  We have had some fantastic times together and I have a lot of good memories.  I would like to thank everybody in the team and all our partners.  I wish them all the very best of luck for the future."