By Phil Huff
June 10 2006

Jenson Button was knocked out of qualifying in the first round today, ending up in 19th place on the grid for his home Grand Prix. An obviously disappointed Gil de Ferran, Honda Racing F1's Sporting Director, explained why. "He was certainly very unfortunate," de Ferran told ITV, somewhat understating the situation. "We've mixed feelings coming out of the session now. We're happy for Rubens but very very sad for what happened with Jenson. Basically, the first run really wasn't quick enough and, by the time he came back in and went on the scales, we basically ran out of time."

The FIA call in random cars throughout qualifying, weighing them on a set of scales at the end of the pitlane. However, this means that the car has to be manually manoeuvred onto the scales, before being pushed out and then along the pitlane to its garage. This can take a few minutes, and can be critical in such a short session as the 15 minute first and second rounds.

"It was very very critical for us," added Gil. "It turned out that we didn't have enough time to go out and do another run. We're extremely sad, with Jenson qualifying so far back for what is his home Grand Prix, and one of our home Grands Prix."

With overtaking at least possible at Silverstone, although never easy, there is at least the hope of some action for the race, even if points will be hard to come by.

"The car is quicker, Jenson is quicker, than where he ended up on the grid," said de Ferran, looking for a positive, "so if you look at it from that standpoint we should move forward in the race tomorrow.

"We'll look forward to a fighting race."