Button wins at last

BUDAPEST, Aug 6 (Reuters) Briton Jenson Button raced through the rain to seize an emotional first Formula One victory in a Hungarian Grand Prix thriller today.

''Over the last 10 laps, I just didn't want the race to end,'' said the Honda driver, finally a winner after one of the longest waits in the sport's history. ''I wanted it to go on forever, I was loving it.

''What a day. It's been amazing. Coming through from 14th place, I couldn't have done it a better way.'' While the 26-year-old celebrated success at the 113th attempt, Renault's world champion Alonso trudged away without a point after leading for much of the afternoon.

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher also failed to score, retiring three laps from the finish to leave the title battle between the two as finely balanced as ever with Alonso 11 points ahead and five races remaining.

Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa was second for McLaren, the first podium finish for a man who started the season as a test driver before replacing Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya.

Germany's Nick Heidfeld was third for BMW Sauber.

Alonso'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 that caught out out plenty of others.

Initial reports suggested a drive shaft failure was to blame.

''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,'' said Alonso. ''We were extremely fast at first. It's a shame. But it happens to everyone.'' MORE REUTERS PM RN2020