Two weeks after a disappointing race in Canada, Jenson Button’s motivation remains intact on the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend where the former World Champion hopes McLaren-Honda can make progress towards increased reliability and performance.
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“Over the past few days we’ve bounced back from Montreal and we’re already looking firmly ahead at the next challenge. As a team, we’re measured ultimately on where we finish on a Sunday afternoon, which doesn’t take into account the progress we’ve made behind the scenes, or in practice and qualifying in the build-up to the race, so it can sometimes be difficult to see the positives after a tough Grand Prix.”
Button’s only points this season were scored in Monaco where the British driver finished 8th in a year marked by the McLaren-Honda pairing’s persistent development difficulties centered around the Japanese manufacturer’s power unit.
“It’s important that we don’t forget how far we’ve come. Yes, both cars retiring from the race (in Canada) was not at all the result we’ve been working so hard for, but we are focused on the progress we’re still making and the improvements that we’ve already made up to this point. There’s still a huge amount of belief within the team, and we’re continuing to push for development in every area back in Woking and Sakura.”
While a podium finish in Austria is obviously beyond McLaren’s current potential, Button is still looking forward to racing around the Red Bull Ring’s green pastures in Styria.
“Last year’s Austrian Grand Prix was a huge success, and for the few of us drivers that raced here pre-2003, it’s definitely considered one of those ‘mini-classics’: not so complex in terms of its configuration, but fun to drive. On paper, Austria won’t suit the characteristics of our car, but I’m looking forward to enjoying some good racing there and pushing to make more progress in every session.”