Button thought he might beat Webber

It befitted the occasion that Jenson Button should out-qualify Lewis Hamilton, despite his team-mate having posted faster laps throughout the free practice sessions. The Brazil weekend is thus a microcosm of the 2011 season, in which Button has asserted himself at McLaren and become the first team-mate so far to get the better of Hamilton in Formula One.

For Button, this qualifying result makes a pleasant change anyway, as Sao Paolo is not a circuit that has suited him in the past. "I'm savouring the moment, because this is my best qualifying here in six years," said Button. "I love racing in Sao Paolo, because it's a track that is made for tight contests and for overtaking. Whatever happens tomorrow, this has been a great season for us. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite good enough. Hopefully, we'll finish tomorrow on a high note."