Sunday March 17th, 2002

Briton Jenson Button was disappointed after losing what looked set to be his first podium since he made his Formula One debut in 2000.

Button, who had qualified in a promising eighth place on Saturday, was running in third in today's Malaysian Grand Prix before a problem with the suspension of his Renault RS02 forced him to slow down in the final lap of the race.

The Briton had to give way to World Champion Michael Schumacher and had to settle for fourth place, equalling his best result so far in Grand Prix racing.

"An excellent race for me, in spite of the problem at the end. I drove very consistently, pushing hard all the way through, although the Williams and Ferraris were clearly quicker than us," said Button, who had finished fourth once at the 2000 German Grand Prix with the Williams team.

"After Montoya's second stop, I decided it was safer to let him past as his straightline speed was much better and Michael was a long way behind.

"After that, everything was looking good until I felt a problem with the suspension two laps from the end, and the car began running on three wheels. Obviously, I'm disappointed for myself and the team not to get our first podium, but it's still a good result."

Teammate Jarno Trulli retired on lap ten of the race with an engine problem.

Published at 11:20:41 GMT