Button braces for challenging Shanghai weekend

Jenson Button echoes McLaren-Honda team-mate Fernando Alonso’s remarks in saying the Woking-based team is set to struggle again during this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

McLaren’s progress has so far been hampered by power unit gremlins as engine partner Honda endeavours to get on top of the new hybrid technology.

Although Button reached the chequered flag in Melbourne’s season-opener, the 15-time grand prix winner finished two laps down from both Mercedes.

The 2009 word champion noticed significant improvement in Malaysia only to see turbo issues curtail his efforts on race day. What’s more, a MP4-30 is yet to progress through to Q2 during qualifying.

Having already admitted that points were unlikely before Spain, Button braces himself for another challenging weekend in Shanghai due to the nature of the track layout.

“China’s two long straights – each preceded by slow- to medium-speed corners – will place extra emphasis on the power-unit,” said the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix winner.

“And there is a feeling that the expected cooler weather will make it harder to generate tyre temperature – which could mean that any progress we make doesn’t necessarily translate to a laptime benefit.”

However, Button remains confident McLaren continues to head in the right direction in terms of making up for lost ground after a tough start to its season.

“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.”

Click here for an interesting take on putting new drivers in third cars. 

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