Jenson Button: McLaren cannot fight Red Bull in qualifiers but Monaco to be an exception – Formula 1
Formula 1 driver Jenson Button has said that the McLaren-Mercedes team is no way near Red Bull in the qualifiers pace but the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix is an exception due to its track shape.
The Brit stated, “I don't think in reality we are going to see us being able to fight them (Red Bull) in qualifying for a little while. Monaco might be an exception because it's a very unique circuit.”
Button, who missed the Monaco Grand Prix in the 2010 season, hopes that the 2011 race turns out well for him and his team.
In 2010, the Brit’s car caught fire in the practice session and he was ruled out of the Monaco GP. Talking about the incident, Button commented, “It was very short-lived. I quite enjoyed myself last year. It didn't help my championship but I quite enjoyed
it. I sat on the boat watching. Hopefully I'll spend more time in the race this year.”
The Brit added that 2010 was a mistake in the McLaren car but the 2011 setups are suitable for the Monaco street track.
Apart from the 2010 mishap, Button crashed his BAR Honda right at the tunnel exit in Monaco in 2003 and did not race. Also in 2005, his team BAR Honda was ruled out of the race after they were found guilty of placing a second fuel tank in their cars.
Altogether, the stats show that Button does not have one good race in Monaco except for the 2009 win, but he is really looking forward to grabbing some points in the 2011 race and most importantly finish it.
Red Bull tops the constructors’ table with 185 points and a lead of 47 points over the McLaren team. Button sits on number four on the drivers’ championship table with 61 points while his teammate Lewis Hamilton is second on the list with 77 points.
The street Monaco track awaits Formula 1 on May 29, 2011.
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