Jenson Button hopes McLaren-Honda can have a smooth Grand Prix, when Formula 1 returns to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
The McLaren driver was able to achieve some much needed points before the three-week break in Germany, after he finished in eighth ahead of the Williams Martini Racing of Valtteri Bottas. The Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring was not McLaren’s strongest race but Button was still able to secure four valuable points.
The Belgian circuit is one of the longest circuits on the calendar, and teams and drivers are working hard to manage all the different aspects of the car, and as one of the Briton’s favourite circuits he is excited to see what McLaren can do this weekend.
“I love Spa! Eau Rouge is one of those fabled corners that drivers and fans always talk about – but it really is that special,” said Button. “As well as being the longest circuit on the calendar, it also has an average speed of 230km/h (143mph), so it’s pretty quick!
“That means it’s pretty brutal on the cars – you’re at full throttle for almost three-quarters of the lap – so all the team and drivers will be working hard to manage all the different aspects of the car and react quickly to anything that crops up during the race.
“The important thing, as always, is reliability, and because of the nature of the Spa circuit it tends to be a race of attrition. The guys and girls back at MTC and also in Sakura are working hard to keep pushing the limits of our package, and I hope we can enjoy a smooth race from that point of view.
“I’ve always loved Spa right from the early days of my career – it still feels mega with every lap you do and never fails to put a smile on my face. It’s easily one of the best circuits on the calendar and definitely one of my favourites, so let’s see what we can do – I hope we can have a solid weekend.”
