Button quietly confident

World champion won't be drawn on McLaren rivalry

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 10th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Button quietly confident

Button: McLaren switch

It's going to be an exciting year for both of us, and we will see what happens after 19 races.

Jenson Button
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Formula One world champion Jenson Button has refused to predict whether he or McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton will have the upper hand this year.

The new F1 season gets under way in Bahrain on Sunday, and one of the most hotly anticipated battles will be between the British pair.

Button, however, has remained coy on who is likely to have the advantage, refusing to be baited by pundits suggesting he will not see his younger colleague for dust.

Confident

"I didn't come to McLaren not confident. I've always had confidence in my ability," said Button.

"I've always been pretty good at getting to grips with a new environment, so it hasn't been an issue, and I didn't think it would be.

"One thing I have always worked on is to integrate myself into a team as quickly as possible.

"As for what's going to happen this year. Neither of us know.

"We both know we're extremely quick, and you don't win the world championship unless you're quick, it doesn't matter the situation you are in.

"So it's going to be an exciting year for both of us, and we will see what happens after 19 races."

Aside from Hamilton, Button is likely to face strong competition from a host of drivers, including Ferrari duo Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel.

Contender

Another likely contender will be seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who returns to F1 to drive for Mercedes GP following three years in retirement.

Despite the controversies that have plagued the German throughout his career, Button is expecting the 41-year-old former champion to play by the rules.

"There were times during 2005 and 2006 I had some good races with Michael," added Button.

"He has always been a good person to race, very fair when I have done so, so I look forward to the challenge again."

Comments (3)

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Alan Palmer says...

Watch out Jenson,with age comes cunning and guile,so MS will be harder(read unfair) this time round.

Posted 08:26 11th March 2010

James Mcgowan says...

The contrast in driving styles along with the new fuel regs will mean Button and Hamilton will favor different stages of the race. I would expect Button to be faster on a heavier fuel load, particularly around pit stops where Hamilton will have most likely shredded his tyres with a heavy car. Hamilton however will possibly be faster towards the end of the race when he can go flat out. Should be an interesting battle cannot wait for the season to start! Alonso will win the championship though.

Posted 02:26 11th March 2010

Ray Wellings says...

There is not tuppence between the drivers in formula 1, It is 100% sure the fastest and most consistent car which will win the title, Yes there are some drivers who are capable of wringing out that bit extra from either the car or track on certain days, but throughout a whole season when you have everyone on the same tyres ,same fuel loads, to have the fastest and most reliable car is the deciding factor, (But for real excitement try watching Moto GP)

Posted 17:21 10th March 2010
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