Jenson Button has once again downplayed finishing second in the Drivers' Championship but admits its "nice" to beat some "very good" rivals.
Button, who has claimed three race wins this season, is currently second in the standings ahead of Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. The duo are 10 and 22 points behind the Brit respectively.
Taking current form into account, Button's lead means unless disaster befalls the McLaren driver in Brazil, he should finish the Championship runner-up to Sebastian Vettel.
"It is not so important, I suppose but I think it is nice to know over a season that you can finish in front of some very good drivers," he said.
"To finish in front of a Red bull would be great considering Seb won the title in a Red Bull and Fernando was strong in a Ferrari.
"If I get a chance to beat them of course I will be happy - but we would rather come away with a victory than finishing second in the Championship. It's still nice if you come away with second.
"I am pretty happy with what I achieved. We haven't been quite good enough to win the championship but we have had a pretty strong year."
Button also downplayed the importance of beating his team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the standings.
"I think if we were fighting for the World Championship we would come out on top it would be a special feeling, but not doing that right now.
"For me I am happy with what we have achieved this year in getting the most out of the car.
"Japan stands out as a great race, but also other races I have not been able to win, so I take more comfort from the results, not about beating my team-mate over a whole season."
