The Mclaren duo of Hamilton and Button are confident of challenging for pole in Australia after trailing in Bahrain a fortnight ago.
Hamilton finished FP1 in P7, but managed to set the quickest time in FP2 thanks to some early running which meant he avoided the rain showers.
“I definitely think we’ve made some improvements to our pace compared with Bahrain. And the feeling over one lap is better for us. That’s what we’ve been trying to work on since the first race, and I feel more confident that, going into qualifying, we’ll be able to attack the guys who were at the front two weeks ago.
“Despite this afternoon’s wet weather, we went out early in the second session when it was still dry and got some good running under our belts in order to see how some of the changes we’d made between the sessions felt.”
Hamilton reckons the MP4-25 in it’s current set-up could be the best car he has driven around the Albert Park circuit.
“We’re feeling positive. We feel quite comfortable with the balance of the car. I actually feel very relaxed: I’ve got a car that probably feels better than I’ve ever had at this track, so that’s a major positive.”
Meanwhile, Jenson Button echoed Hamilton’s thoughts. The world champion took P3 in FP1 and slid in behind Hamilton in FP2 to take P2. Button admitted they may have been lighter than the rest of the field, but he still remains hopeful.
“I’m reasonably pleased with the balance, and it’s just got better throughout the day. I’ve been happy since lap one this morning.
“It’s only Friday, and we may be lighter than some of the quick cars out there, but tomorrow we’ll see where we actually stand. Nevertheless, it’s important for us to find a good balance and get a good feeling with the car.
“For qualifying, the car should feel better than it did in Bahrain: it feels like we have the correct downforce level for this circuit. Both tyre compounds are working well too, so it’s all positive.”
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