Jenson Button has told his fans not to worry if his BAR leaves the Silverstone track at this weekend’s British Grand Prix – it will just show he is pushing his car to the limit.
The 23-year-old racer reckons he is more confident in the car than at any other time in his 60-race Formula One career so far and that is showing in the way he is driving.
“I think I have thrown the car off this year more than I ever have because I am pushing so bloody hard,” said Button.
“I am happy with the car – it’s a great car to drive but it can just be a little bit nervous at times.
“I am more confident in pushing the car to its limits than I was before. I am more confident about putting across my own opinion of what to do with the car, the set-up, but that comes with experience and races.
“I was pushing hard in Monaco but the set-up was wrong and the rear wheels locked up when they shouldn’t. These things happen, it would be nice if they didn’t but you just learn from your mistakes really.”
Button crashed out during practice in Monte Carlo and missed the race after spending the night in hospital in what is the only blip of his first season with BAR which has already yielded 10 points.
The Monaco-based driver is relishing competing in his home grand prix for the fourth time this weekend and is hoping for a repeat of his maiden outing when he finished fifth for Williams in 2000.
“Finishing fifth there in my first season was awesome,” added Button.
“When you take the chequered flag and see all the Union Jacks waving at you from the grandstands, it really is spine-chilling.
“The last test I did at Silverstone was probably the busiest I have had this year. It was madness there were so many people there, but it was good.
“Walking from the motorhome to the garage took about 15 minutes to get through everyone but that’s good as it means people are still interested in F1.
“I think it will be a very busy year, one of the busiest for me and I look forward to it because the crowd are really up for it and having a good time and they back the British drivers.
“I think a lot of people are excited about the racing this year and the new rules. I think it will be one of the biggest crowds in England for a while.”