It was a disappointing qualifying session for Jenson Button at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday. The Brit ended the session in nineteenth place after he had looked strong throughout the practice sessions for the European Grand Prix this weekend, finishing in the top ten on every occasion.
After flat spotting his tyres early in Q1 however, when out braking himself at Turn 15 and having to run down the escape road, a common occurrence from drivers this weekend, the Brit was then unable to find a clear piece of track to put in a decent flying lap. That saw Button drop out of qualifying proceedings early, after the McLaren Honda F1 team had been performing better than they had expected in Azerbaijan.
“In Q1, I locked up into Turn 15 – we’d fitted new brakes ahead of quali, which we always do, but they were a bit more ‘grabby’. It’s a real shame because I’d been seventh or eighth all weekend – and while I’m not sure we’re that quick, we’re definitely not 19th either.
“It isn’t easy around here because of the traffic, but after I’d flat-spotted, I did a donut to spin the car back around, and that isn’t usually the best thing for these tyres, so we should have come in and fitted a fresh set of tyres for the rest of Q1. We thought we’d have more of a margin – but that wasn’t quite the case. “
The 2009 world champion was disappointed finishing way down the order in nineteenth place and behind the two Manor Racing Team cars, but is adamant they will go out there, have some fun and do the very best they can.
