Button takes positives from Japan

JENSON BUTTON was relieved to have limited the damage from a tumultuous weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix as the Brawn GP driver moved a step closer to securing his first-ever Formula One world championship.

Having started 10th on the grid, Button eventually finished eighth at Suzuka to salvage what could prove to be a crucial point as team-mate and chief challenger Rubens Barrichello could only cross the line one place better in seventh.

Sebastian Vettel dominated the 53-lap contest from pole to take his third win of the campaign, which thrust the Red Bull driver back into contention as he closed to within 16 points of the Englishman.