Button: "As good as it was going to get"

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Jenson Button will launch his Belgian GP from P9 tomorrow following a qualifying session which brought the McLaren driver more than what he expected.

While Honda's engine has shown marked improvement in terms of power, it was still excepted to struggle on Spa's high speed layout. So Button's top 10 quali performance was a welcomed bonus, and one which pleased the Brit.

"It was by far as good as it was going to get," said a very happy Jenson Button.

"I've always loved Spa and always go pretty well here. The Q2 lap was as good as my pole lap here in 2012. Hopefully tomorrow we can have a reasonable race."

REPORT: Rosberg edges out Verstappen and Raikkonen for pole at Spa

Speaking about his prospects for tomorrow's race, Button is banking on the McLaren's race pace to keep himself in the points and hopefully capitalize on his good qualifying position.

"I think we'd all rather have pace than reliability. We definitely did not expect to be qualifying P9. At the last race, we were 11th or 12th on a circuit that suited us a bit better than here.

"So to come here and put it on P9 on a circuit that is very difficult for us is good progress, and I think we should be happy. I have to say, it was one of the best laps I've ever done.

"Our race pace is better than our qualifying pace. It could be a bit tricky up to Turn 5 on the opening lap, but apart from that it'll be eyes forward hopefully rather than eyes back.

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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.