Nothing to choose between Honda duo - literally.

If any further confirmation were needed that Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button are an evenly matched pairing, then qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix certainly proved that when the duo posted exactly the same time on the way to third and fourth on the grid.

It was an impressive session all-round for the uniquely-liveried Honda team, with Barrichello earning the higher third slot by virtue of setting his time before Button, although the Brit will start alongside in fourth to record the team's best combined grid performance since Imola.

It is the third time Barrichello, who won the inaugural race in 2004 for Ferrari, has qualified inside the top three, a status the Brazilian is delighted to continue in China, despite suffering a few moments in the difficult conditions.

"I'm thrilled to be back in the top three qualifiers again, especially after such a difficult session. This is a great result for the team with Jenson and I in third and fourth and setting exactly the same lap time. It was pretty treacherous out there and at times it was just impossible to push. When I did I spun off and thankfully the gravel slowed me just enough for me to land on the grass.

"I was able to keep the engine running so I could keep going. Aside from that moment we're looking pretty competitive in the wet and in the past the race has come my way many times in similar conditions. If that's the way the weather plays out I'll be happy but we have a car that works well either way."

Button was also pleased with his performance in qualifying, which is his best grid slot since the German Grand Prix, despite having to change his front wing when he clattered the errant wing mirror of Kimi Raikkonen's McLaren.

"I'm very happy with today's result, especially with Rubens and I posting exactly the same time," he said. "It's been a very interesting day in which the Michelins are clearly very strong in the tricky conditions. It's pretty slippery out there which made it tough going, but we're looking good I think and I have a good strategy so we should be able to look forward to a great race, especially for the fans."