Whilst the Spanish Grand Prix is just around the corner – a race where McLaren will receive a major boost with the introduction of a new Honda power unit – Jenson Button is already looking forward to the following event in Monaco where he expects the team to surprise.
The Woking outfit has struggled with its new MP4-30 following a link-up with engine supplier Honda. At present, the car has a lack of power and straight-line speed – two things that will play a major role in Spain, but not in Monaco.
Button therefore reckons it will be the first race of the season where the team springs a surprise on its rivals.
“Definitely, I’ve got a good feeling about it,” he is quoted by Autosport. “There are a few areas where the car needs to be stronger right now for Monaco if we were going to go there tomorrow, but it will be an interesting place to drive this car.
“It’s such a tricky circuit to find the limit at. If you have a car that you are confident in, it makes a massive difference,” he added.
The Briton cited an example of Jean Alesi, who during the 2000 Monaco GP qualified seventh and ran seventh until transmission failure, in a car that was well off the pace and capable of an average starting position of just 16th.
“I remember Jean Alesi in a Prost doing a really good job around there because he had confidence in the car and the balance was there,” explained the 2009 champion.
“He might not have had a lot of downforce but it worked for him and it gave him confidence.
“You need that anywhere, really. In F1 most drivers are very talented and it’s a mental game but especially for Monaco.”
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