SAO PAULO - Beaten challenger Rubens Barrichello swallowed his own disappointment Sunday to salute his Brawn GP team-mate Jenson Button on winning the world title.

The 37-year-old Brazilian, who was upset at failing to win from pole position, admitted that he had not been able to capitalise on his opportunity thanks to traffic problems and then a puncture.

But he said Button was a worthy champion and he was delighted to see him take the title.

Barrichello, very used to finishing as a runner-up after his many years as team-mate to Germany's seven-times champion Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, finished eighth.

He said that it had been a triumphant year for him because twelve months ago many pundits had written him off and predicted his career was over.

He said: "I've said before that people put flowers on my coffin at the beginning of the year, and I was back, driving a fantastic car and I was so, so up for it.

"I've got to really thank God for the situation I've had for the year. It was a great car to drive all year.

"I'm pleased for Jenson as a friend and as a great champion, and if I didn't win, he should have won it, so well done to him.

"Jenson won it, and he deserved to do it, but he won it on the first six races, and I think the second half of the championship was mine.

"It was a true fight and I fought really hard, but in a time of the championship when we didn't have the performance of that grade anymore. So it was a big fight and I kept going, kept myself alive, and I'm really pleased."

He praised also the team effort under the direction of his former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn.

He said: "They've been superb, and I think Ross was able to get everyone together, to give speeches to prepare them, and they were really well prepared.

"It's a hell of a team and it deserves to win. We will have a good night together because I feel the constructors' title is part of me as well and I'm happy for that."

Barrichello is expected to leave Brawn, formerly Honda, where he has been for four years, and join Williams next season in a swap deal that sees German Nico Rosberg going the other way.

It is understood that Brawn's technical partners Mercedes-Benz want the team to have a German driver on board for their second year - when they defend both world titles.