Formula One news

Button makes his point for Honda

The Honda team was back in the points today after Jenson Button finished the Italian Grand Prix in eighth position. Rubens Barrichello made it a two-car top 10 finish for the team, bringing his RA107 home in 10th place. 

"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 Button. "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."

Barrichello commented, "It was a good race today but unfortunately all of the cars in the midfield also had a competitive race and there were five cars racing within about ten seconds. We had a good pace and I put in some really good laps on the prime tyres but unfortunately my challenge for a better position was over when Webber was just able to get out ahead at the second pit stop. However we have been better all weekend which is down to some really hard work from the team and I look forward to having more competitive races for the remainder of the season."

Engineering director Jacky Eeckelaert added, "It is a good feeling for the whole team to be racing in the top ten again. Both drivers were fast and consistent, Jenson racing with Kovalainen and Rosberg, while Rubens was fighting with Webber and 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."

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