Jenson Button hopes the upgrades McLaren-Honda are bringing to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend enable the team to begin to show its true potential, and hopes they can build on the team’s first two-car points finish in Hungary last month.
The 2009 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion is eager to get back on track to find out where the team are compared to its rivals, especially with the upgrades they and engine manufacturers Honda will be bringing to the Belgian track.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the car and seeing where we stand among our nearest competitors,” insisted Button.
“We can’t pretend that we’re expecting a huge jump forward in performance – especially at this circuit, as it doesn’t suit our car’s characteristics – but, after the break, I’m feeling refreshed, positive, and ready to continue the solid progress we’ve made so far.”
Button insists Spa is a fantastic venue to host the first race after the mid-season break, and admits to loving driving around the legendary circuit that first hosted a Grand Prix back in 1950.
“What a place to resume the second half of the season,” expressed Button. “It’s such a great place to come to after the break.
“Spa is a circuit I’ve always loved right from the start of my racing career, and every lap around this incredibly special circuit is still hugely exciting and puts a massive grin on my face. It’s genuinely a circuit like no other.”
Button has fond memories of Spa, having won at the circuit back in 2012 from pole position, and feels it is a ‘privilege’ to race at such a legendary circuit year after year.
“I love Spa, I won there back in 2012, and, even when I’m not battling for the lead, I really enjoy the racing there as it usually produces fantastic grand prix,” said Button.
“It’s a privilege as a Formula 1 driver to be able to go to the circuit in the morning, get in the car, and race through some of the most legendary corners in motorsport.”
