Button surprised by Vettel bravery

ABU DHABI, Nov 4, 2012 (AFP) - Jenson Button said he was surprised by world champion Sebastian Vettel's brave passing move to take third place from him in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old German drove his Red Bull car round the outside of Briton Button's McLaren into Turn 11 with four laps to go in the thrilling 55-laps race.

The move completed Vettel's charge from the back of the field after his Red Bull was disqualified from qualifying for a fuel infringement to a podium finish.

Button said: "It was very brave of him. If I'd locked up and run wide, we would've crashed. It was a very unusual move. I didn't expect that."

He added: "It was quite a fun race, but at no point did I have the pace.

"I really struggled. It was very different to my Friday run. I just couldn't find the grip. It was really, really strange.

"Obviously the car is working because Lewis has been very, very quick all weekend."

McLaren now trail Ferrari by 22 points in the battle for second place in the constructors' championship with two races remaining. 

Button added: "With Lewis's problem, we've lost more points to Ferrari. That's a pity... We've just got to make sure we have two big races now."