After a fairly average start to the season in Bahrain, Jenson Button, who came seventh behind Michael Schumacher, aims to be back on form in Australia, where he won the 2009 race for Brawn GP.
The 2009 champion expects the MP4-25 to be much closer to the leading two teams; Ferrari and Red Bull, who earlier this week were branded ‘ridiculously fast’ by Button’s teammate.
“Ferrari are quick and Red Bull are very strong but we’ll be a lot closer here,” Button told the BBC.
Albert Park is a very different circuit to Bahrain. The average turn angle in Bahrain is 124° whilst Australia is just 84°. The average corner speed is also 27 kph faster. With it’s long sweeping curves suiting the downforce levels of the McLaren.
“It’s a low downforce circuit which suits us. I’m excited – I wouldn’t be if I didn’t think we had a good race.”
“We learnt some useful lessons in the opening race and the whole team is keen to put them into practice this weekend,” added Button.
Button reckons both him and Lewis can have a good race, with both drivers having won the race, Lewis in ’08 and Button in ’09.
“Lewis has had a good time here before and I have too; the circuit has treated us quite well and hopefully we can get a good result.”
