• Brazilian Grand Prix

Button happy with title defence

Jenson Button said he was happy with his 2010 season © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News:
• 'It'll take a miracle,' says Hamilton
  
• Report:
• Vettel leads Red Bull 1-2 to seal constructors' title
  

• Race:
• Brazilian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Jenson Button

• Teams:
• McLaren

Jenson Button said he was happy with how things had gone during his first season with McLaren although he saw his title defence end with fifth place in Brazil.

Starting from eleventh on the grid, Button fought his way past a number of cars in a drive reminiscent of his title-winning effort of a year before.

"I had a great race today and had a lot of fun fighting my way through the field," said Button. "We finally sorted the car out for the race, I had some pretty decent race pace, I made some great passing moves, and the team made a couple of perfect calls on strategy. From where I started, I couldn't have done any better, so it feels good to have finished fifth.

"Lewis can still win the drivers' world championship - but the top three drivers will have to fare badly for it to happen, so I guess it'll be difficult for him. For me, I'm out of it now, so I'll treat the final race much as I treated this one: I'll just have fun and try to enjoy it."

Despite failing to defend his title, Button admitted that it had been a good season and that he is hopeful of a bright future.

"I won the drivers' world championship in Brazil last year, and I lost it here this year. But, all in all, it's been a pretty good season. It was a learning year, and good practice for next year: I firmly believe we can really build on this for the 2011 season.

"Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is a really strong team - in fact I don't think there's any team stronger than us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.