Button rues quali mistake, but points always possible

A brush with the wall at Singapore's unforgiving Turn 14 in Q2 deprived Jenson Button with a shot of accessing the top 10 final segment.

The McLaren-Honda's 's damaged steering left the Brit with a 13th place on tomorrow's grid and a car which felt much improved however since the team's earlier practice sessions.

"All weekend I've not been very quick, I couldn't find grip," lamented Button.

"In qualifying, I could. we made some changes to the car, and it felt really good this evening. It took a few set-up tweaks and I found my confidence, so I was able to get the best out of the car in quali."

"Then, on my final run in Q2, I went a touch wide at the exit of Turn 14 and just tapped the wall on the exit. The impact broke the left-rear wheel and gave me a puncture – it was my fault."

Button considered his lap, up until the mishap, was definitely good for a spot in Q3. But the McLaren's weaker race pace relative to its closest rivals makes points a difficult prospect.

"It was definitely possible to get into Q3 today: my final lap in Q2 was looking very similar to Fernando’s before the puncture.

"Our long-run pace means the race could be difficult for us, but there’ll probably be some Safety Car periods and a bit of action, so anything could happen."

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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.