Button's weather warning

Prediction that no traction control and "outrageous" weather will not mix

Last updated: 21st March 2008

jenson button honda malaysian gp practice 21/3/2008

Button: Warning

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Jenson Button reckons "all hell will break loose" if it rains as forecast during Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

While the Sepang race is known for its tropical heat and intense humidity, this year fierce tropical storms are also expected.

The latest forecast gives an 80 percent possibility of heavy rain affecting Saturday's qualifying, with a 50 percent chance of Sunday's race being similarly disrupted.

Should the rain fall on either day it promises to be a difficult and trying time for the drivers, who will be competing for the first time in such conditions since the ban on driver aids such as traction control was introduced.

Although many have done laps in the wet with no traction control during pre-season testing, the latter tends to see drivers back off when in close proximity to another car.

Havoc

And according to Honda driver Button, the expected intensity of any downpours could wreak havoc.

"I heard they've built some good asphalt run-offs here now," Button told www.autosport.com. "That's great because we're going to need it.

"Here, it never drizzles, it's always outrageous and all hell will break loose without traction control.

"If there is water running across the circuit, it will be tough. In low-speed corners, if you exit and you've still got lock on and hit a river you don't know is there, it will just spin the wheel and you'll be gone.

"Trying to control it is very difficult."