Car's balance should work in the race - Button

It's was more of the same for McLaren's Jenson Button with the British drivers' qualifying session following its usual lousy script.

Button was a Q1 casualty whose only consolation was beating team mate Fernando Alonso. The two men appeared fairly unfazed by their predictable ordeal, even mischievously sneaking on to the podium and posing as winners to remind themselves of what was once, or what eventually may be.

"Jumping on the podium was the most fun I've had this weekend," Button ironized.

"Actually the car was working much better in qualifying, and felt more enjoyable to drive. I was a lot closer to P15 than I thought. The important thing is that with the balance we have, the car should work well in the race."

As usual, McLaren would gladly welcome a change of the elements to help its chances on Sunday, although a downpour is not currently being forecasted.

"Anything would help us. The car isn't bad to drive, and if it rains it opens up many opportunities."

Extracting McLaren from the doldrums is pretty much a lost cause this year, but Button retains a great amount of faith of seeing a massive move forward in 2016.

"I'm feeling good about next year. With all the support I got this year, it's really meant a lot to me and it keeps us positive. There's so much that is going to change this winter, there really is, it'll be a massive step so I'm excited for that. But I also know there's a lot of hard work ahead."

REPORT: Rosberg takes fifth pole in a row by 0.078s

AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix - qualifying

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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