McLaren have taken some encouragement from Jenson Button’s qualifying result which will see the Briton starting 13th for the Russian Grand Prix.
The position is Button’s second best qualifying result of the season – he qualified 12th in Monaco – despite Russia ranking among McLaren’s least favourite races in terms of performance.
“This was probably my best qualifying performance of the year. Today, we got into Q2 due to our actual speed, rather than because of the others having any issues,” he said.
Whilst pleased, he admits the race itself will be difficult: “I’m encouraged, because it was always going to be a very tricky weekend for us.
“Nonetheless, the race will be tougher for us than qualifying was because our deployment isn’t as good as other people’s, so we’ll be affected along the long straights here.
“In turn, that will affect our fuel consumption – since we use more fuel because we don’t have as much deployment capability,” he added. “Still, this is progress.”
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is of the same opinion as Button.
“The Sochi circuit is another one that doesn’t suit our car’s performance envelope, so, that being the case, we’re tentatively encouraged by Jenson’s plucky 13th-fastest quali-lap.”
Fernando Alonso will start from the back of the grid following an engine change.
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