Mixed fortunes for Honda drivers

While Barrichello put on a strong performance to get into the top ten, Button was unable to complete a proper flying lap after being hit by a gearbox failure in the first segment.

Barrichello was delighted with his showing and is looking forward to a strong race.

"I'm really pleased for myself and the team today," he said. "After the points that we scored in Monaco at the last race, this is a great start for the weekend here in Canada.

"In the hot conditions, the asphalt on the track was breaking up this afternoon and you had to take a good line to avoid running wide where it was so slippery.

"So it gave me the chance to use my experience to put some good laps in and I had two strong runs in Q1 and Q2 to make it through to the final session.

"It is nice to qualify in ninth place and we did a solid job today. I can look forward to a good race tomorrow from here."

Button, meanwhile, was left disappointed and hoping to do everything possible from the back of the grid tomorrow.

"I had a problem with third gear right at the start of Q1 which meant that I had no drive and that was the end of my qualifying today," he said.

"It's been a pretty tough weekend for us and it's very disappointing to be starting from the back of the grid. We will just have to see how the race develops and take advantage of any opportunities which might arise."