Q. What are your memories of your win in Montreal?
Jenson Button: I’m still smiling. It was the best win of my career and I’m determined to enjoy it. Mixed weather races are difficult to manage from the cockpit and Canada was a very long afternoon due to the rain delay. It was very satisfying to win after being last with 30 laps to go.
Q. Can Vodafone McLaren Mercedes win again in Valencia this weekend?
JB: A good engine and a good KERS Hybrid system are essential at Valencia and we’re strong in both of those areas. But the DRS will be crucial as well, due to the number of long straights. You can use DRS wherever you want in qualifying, so it’s going to influence the shape of the grid and it’s a good overtaking tool as well.
Q. How will the two DRS zones in Valencia affect the amount of overtaking?
JB: It’s difficult to say. There were two DRS zones in Montreal, but, unfortunately, rain stopped play and we didn’t get to see their full effect. It’s pretty difficult to overtake at Valencia and these DRS zones aren’t going to make the overtaking any worse, are they?
Q. Do you like the layout of the Valencia Street Circuit?
JB: It’s quite nice to drive. It has some similarities to Montreal: there are lots of slow corners followed by long straights. You need lots of mechanical grip to give you traction out of the corners and that’s one of the strengths of the MP4-26. I hope we can be quick.
Q. Does the track have any outstanding features?
JB: I think it’s the only track on the F1 calendar to feature a swing bridge. It’s more slippery than the rest of the track and it’s narrower as well, which makes it pretty exciting on the opening lap. You’ll be running side-by-side on the approach to the bridge, then you have to get into single file. Sometime you win in that situation and sometimes you lose.
Q. Do you get a chance to enjoy the city of Valencia?
JB: It’s a great setting for a grand prix, with the ocean on one side and the city on the other. It’s also a great place to go out in the evenings, but the Spanish don’t eat until late and so I won’t be having such a good time because I like to eat early. But for the fans and for the members of my family attending the race, I’m sure they’ll have a great time. There are some great bars and restaurants.”
Q. This is the second race of the year in Spain. Do you enjoy racing in the country?
JB: It feels like we spend a lot of time in Spain, if you include winter testing as well. I’d rather have two races in the UK, but if that’s not possible then Spain’s a good choice. The weather’s good and the fans are very passionate, largely thanks to Fernando [Alonso]. So, yes, I enjoy racing there.
