Button hopeful McLaren on the rise
Jenson Button believes McLaren now have their rivals in their sights ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
After starting the new Formula One season in Australia with a severe lack of pace, McLaren and new power-unit supplier Honda made significant progress a fortnight later in Malaysia.
Although both Button and team-mate Fernando Alonso retired during the race at the Sepang International Circuit, the duo at least discovered the car was competitive alongside other midfield runners.
That came as a pleasant surprise to Button, who is now hoping further steps have been taken going into this weekend’s race in Shanghai.
“Obviously we want to finish a race, but seeing improvement in pace was much more important,” said Button.
“Yes, we both had failures, but I’d rather that with us pushing and trying to get more power out of the car than trotting around at the back and simply getting to the end.
“To be able to race other cars, and see the Red Bulls until a long way into the race, was good.
“We would probably have been 20 seconds behind them. I know they’re not quick, but that is a good step forward for us.
“Right now we’re comparing ourselves with the Force Indias, Saubers and Lotuses.
“We were quicker than Force India; the Sauber was on the same sort of pace, and the Lotus wasn’t that much quicker.
“Fighting with the pack is important for me. It’s what I enjoy and hopefully race by race we’ll start picking them off.”
Despite the positives, Button acknowledges the entire team, including Honda, “still has a long way to go”.
Button added: “We need and want more downforce to fight with the guys around us, and we still have a lot to do with the power unit, but our basic car is good.
“If you look at our high-speed pace, compared to the Force India and Sauber, then we are much stronger.
“So we’re moving in the right direction, and I’m already surprised we are racing cars. It’s great to see.”
Part of the reasoning behind McLaren’s improvement in Malaysia, in comparison to Australia, was the high temperatures which suited the car.
Button appreciates the cooler air in Shanghai could have an effect.
The 35-year-old said: “There is a feeling the expected cooler weather will make it harder to generate tyre temperature.
“That could mean any progress we make doesn’t necessarily translate to a lap-time benefit.
“But there is definitely progress being made, and it’s great to be able to play a role in helping move the whole team forwards.
“It’ll be fascinating to see how much change we can effect over the forthcoming races.”
