Formula One news

Button back in top ten for Honda

Jenson Button will start tomorrow's Chinese Grand Prix from 10th position after putting in a scintillating performance behind the wheel of his RA107 during today's qualifying session. It was the fourth time this year that he has qualified inside the top 10 and the second time in as many weeks following his sixth position on the grid at Fuji last weekend.

"I am happy, and to be honest a little surprised, to be in the top ten again this weekend," said Button. "It was unexpected but we were able to get the best out of the car today and have over-achieved in terms of where this car should be qualifying, which is a nice feeling. The forecast for tomorrow seems to be for another wet race so we will give it our best shot from here as points are a real possibility."

Barrichello commented, "I got a good lap in Q1 today but unfortunately we just missed out on making it through to the second session. There was really very little difference between the times so it is frustrating to just miss out. It will be interesting to see what the weather brings for tomorrow and we will just have to see what can be done from here."

Engineering director JAcky Eeckelaert added, "In practice this morning we evaluated a number of set-up changes to prepare for this afternoon's qualifying. The track conditions were fairly similar to yesterday although there was a stronger wind. In qualifying, we were surprised by how close all of the cars were in terms of lap time. Unfortunately Rubens just missed out on the second session by 0.02s after a very good effort which saw him sandwiched between the two Renaults. Jenson did an excellent job to get the car through to the final session to finish in 10th and we are all very pleased at how much he was able to get out of the car."

more news

• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans
• 05 Sep.
  • McLaren pleased with first day
  • Raikkonen crash hinders Ferrari preparations
  • Renault lifted by Alonso's pace
  • BMWs struggle on Friday
  • Toyota looking for more pace
  • Force India happy with practice
  • Toro Rossos going well at Spa
  • New parts working well for Williams
  • Honda struggling at Spa
  • Mixed day for Red Bull
  • Alonso tops second practice
  • McLaren to open office in US
  • Massa tops first free practice at Spa
  • Photos: Friday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Vettel to test Red Bull this month
• 04 Sep.
  • Massa eyes up vital six final races
  • Raikkonen hopes for dry weekend
  • Photos: Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Coulthard: The engines make the difference
• 03 Sep.
  • Bridgestone going hard on Spa
  • Former Albers manager teams up with Doornbos
  • Massa: Beating Raikkonen will be difficult at Spa
  • Belgian Grand Prix technical preview

Homepage