Chequered flag for Button

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa was second for McLaren, the best result of his career, with Germany8217;s Nick Heidfeld third for BMW Sauber. Alonso8217;s car slewed and skidded into the tyre barriers with 18 laps to go while in the lead after a breathtaking charge from 15th place on the grid in wet conditions.

8220;After the stop I had a feeling something was not in order. I wanted to get back to the box, but it was not possible,8221; said Alonso. 8220;We were extremely fast at first. It8217;s a shame. But it happens to everyone.8221;

The first British winner of a Grand Prix since David Coulthard for McLaren in Australia three years ago, Button finished 30.8 seconds clear of de la Rosa. Brazilian Rubens Barrichello took fourth place for Honda, ahead of Coulthard in a Red Bull and Toyota8217;s Ralf Schumacher. Poland8217;s Robert Kubica took two points on his debut for BMW Sauber.

Schumacher also had to pit for a new front wing after a collision with Renault8217;s Giancarlo Fisichella as the Italian went past. The first wet race in years transformed a slow and twisty circuit, where overtaking is usually a rare treat, into one that offered more passing manoeuvres than anyone could ever have imagined. McLaren8217;s Kimi Raikkonen also crashed into the back of tail ender Vitantonio Liuzzi8217;s Toro Rosso while lapping the Italian and in second place.

8220;I slowed down a bit to let him by, I was trying to be as helpful as possible,8221; said Liuzzi. 8220;It was a misunderstanding, it was a shame that it turned out this way.8221;

Meanwhile, Button was celebrating his special win. 8220;Over the last 10 laps, I just didn8217;t want the race to end,8221; said the Honda driver, finally a winner after one of the longest waits in the sport8217;s history. 8220;I wanted it to go on forever, I was loving it.8221;Alan Baldwin

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