Button speaks out

reputation on the line for the sake of the team.

The Brazilian has since been pilloried in his homeland by outraged fans disgusted he could let his country down in such a manner.

"It's been the most difficult situation for Felipe, who was quick and fighting for a victory [in Germany]," said Button.

"This weekend he is getting so many questions, and I think it's very tough for him.

"He drove a really good race and showed he is performing very well, so I do feel sorry for him.

"All he wants to do is get on and race and show what he can do, and hopefully he will do that this weekend."

Following Friday's two practice sessions ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, Button was forced to settle for the ninth best time, over 1.5secs adrift of Sebastian Vettel.

Chasing his seventh pole of the season and fourth in a row, Vettel was half a second quicker than Alonso and Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, with Felipe Massa fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.