Jenson Button hoping for an improved MP4-28 in Monaco - Formula 1 News
Jenson Button is hopeful that McLaren will be slightly more competitive in Monaco compared to the first five races of the 2013 Formula 1 season, where the team was simply unable to fight for the top positions.
The street track in Monte Carlo has got completely different characteristics than the other race tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. Other than the performance of the car, the ability of the driver will also
make a huge difference, which is why Button seems quite confident at the moment.
According to the British driver, “Everyone at McLaren has been working flat-out since the Spanish Grand Prix. We're not yet where we want to be in terms of competitiveness, but I'm confident that we can
make another small step forward in Monaco.”
He continued talking about the track and added, “Monaco is unlike any other racetrack in F1. The average speed is the slowest of the year, but it feels very quick. The track's quite narrow in places and
there are some fast sections. The run up the hill from Ste Devote to Casino Square involves some quick changes of direction, as does the Swimming Pool, and the Tunnel is fast, loud and dark.”
Traction will be the most important factor in the upcoming race and the driver who starts from pole will have a great advantage over the others. Therefore, all of the teams will be focussing on a single
lap run more than anything else.
For a change, tyre management will not be an issue for any team, which will be a sigh of relief for them.
Last year, Red Bull’s Mark Webber managed to succeed in Monaco after starting the race from pole. He was lucky to start from that position, after Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher was demoted five places because
of a penalty he carried from the previous event.
Although the seven time world champion has retired from the sport, Mercedes will once again be in contention for pole in Monaco.
On the other hand, teams like Red Bull, Ferrari and Lotus will also be strong over a single lap run, but it will be interesting to see whether McLaren will be in the mix of things.
Tags: