McLaren optimistic about their chances

Button, Hamilton hope to continue good form.

BUDAPEST:

Jenson Button remains optimistic about his chance of catching leader Sebastian Vettel after the mid-season break.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix which saw the Red Bull driver fail to successfully capitalise from pole, Button, who won that race which was also his 200th GP, felt the opposition team ‘should worry’ about their recent lacklustre form, which has seen them win just one of the last five races.

“Red Bull should be really worried because I think that we are closing in on them in the race and in qualifying,” said Button.

Though a title challenge may seem improbable given Red Bull’s 83-point lead, Button remains optimistic of his chances if he consistently carries on that pre-break form which has seen McLaren win three of the last five races.

“I am a long way behind Vettel, so actually I’ve got to beat him at every race and that is exactly what I am going to do.”

McLaren’s position going into the break may have even been stronger if it was not for a costly spin and rash tyre choice by driver Lewis Hamilton at the Hungaroring. Though the Briton acknowledged the disappointment of not finishing the race higher than fourth, he too is optimistic of McLaren’s post-break chances of gaining momentum on leaders Red Bull.

“It was a shame we didn’t get a one-two,” he said. “For me and Jenson to both be the most competitive at the weekend I think is a fantastic way to go into the break.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2011.