Honda hoping to keep momentum

The Japanese manufacturer introduced new aerodynamic and suspension developments at Monza which helped Jenson Button take only his second point-scoring finish of the season.

And that has left engineering director Jacky Eeckelaert upbeat about progress that can be made for the rest of the campaign - especially with some new concepts due to be introduced at Fuji.

"It is a good feeling for the whole team to be racing in the top ten again," said Eeckelaert. "Both drivers were fast and consistent, Jenson racing with (Heikki) Kovalainen and (Nico) Rosberg, while Rubens was fighting with (Mark) Webber and (Jarno) Trulli.

"The latest aerodynamic and suspension developments that we have brought here this weekend have clearly improved the car performance and we need to carry that momentum through to Spa next weekend and the races beyond."

Button said that the point for eighth place was a good reward for all the efforts the team have made.

"It was nice to get a point today but it was a frustrating race for me as I had so much understeer on the first stint," said the Briton.

"We run such low front wing around this circuit that it is very easy to lock the front tyres, particularly at Parabolica, and I flat-spotted the front right which meant I was losing grip through every right-hand corner.

"This meant that I couldn't fend off Rosberg and the long first stint of 33 laps compromised me even further. So it was frustrating as we could have had a better result but we did our very best this weekend and a point is definitely some reward.

"The team have done a great job and everyone is in good spirits, so I'm pleased to have got another point for them. They really deserve it."