Formula One news

Button surprised by Honda pace

Jenson Button may have qualified thirteenth, but it was the happiest thirteenth of his life in Albert Park today as he rejoiced in Honda's improved competitiveness. Team mate Ruberns Barrichello finished just ahead of him in eleventh.

"Everyone was a bit surprised by our pace here if you look at pre-season testing and personally I'm really disappointed because I screwed up my lap so it could have been better," Button said after qualifying.

"I'm happy for the team that we're more competitive. It's so close out there - just 0.3s from where I am to eighth which is really exciting for the sport," he added. "We'll see a good improvement with our car throughout the year and it's a great start for us and if we can keep building on this I'll be happy."

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