The Finn inherited eight place when Takuma Sato's BAR-Honda retired with engine failure with four laps to go.

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The Ulsterman has also won in GP2, British Formula 3, British Formula Ford and was a test driver for BAR-Honda.

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The failures were especially embarrassing for Honda, because BAR had decided to deliberately retire both cars at the end of the Australian Grand Prix so they could fit fresh engines for Malaysia.

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In 2004 Honda bought a stake in the BAR team before taking sole ownership ahead of the 2006 season.

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It is believed that Button's management have taken advantage of clauses in engine supplier Honda's new contract with BAR.

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Button, who wanted to switch to Williams for this season but was forced to stay at BAR after losing a legal dispute, was especially critical of engine partner Honda, the team's co-owner.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Button fires angry salvo at BAR