Surprised Button Happy with Front Row

The British driver just missed out on a sensational pole position slot thanks to Fernando Alonso's effort, but the BAR man was far from unhappy with his result.

"It is a great feeling but we didn't quite expect it," said Button. "It is fantastic to be at the front and I think we can do some pretty good things from there."

Button has drawn short of claiming that he has a realistic chance of challenging Alonso on Sunday though - especially with some concerns about the handling of his BAR007 over the first section of the Silverstone lap.

"We have struggled a little bit through Becketts and also Copse, so that is a little bit of a worry for the race," said Button. "Apart from that the car has been working well.

"It is nice to be in this position and to be at the front fighting with Renaults and McLarens because we have had a pretty tough time with it. But I think it can only get better from there."

Button also acknowledged the support of his home fans as he took his best ever qualifying performance at the British Grand Prix.

"They have been great, and it is great to have so many fans here," said Button. "There is only one time that I have seen a crowd like this and that was at Barcelona. I feel we can put on a good show for them."