15 years ago… Button's first F1 pole at Imola with the V10 Honda

Honda supplies V6 Turbo Hybrid engines to racing teams Formula 1 since 2015. Between the various breakages and reliability concerns, performances have been slow to show up at McLaren. Now associated with Red Bull et Toro Rosso, the engine manufacturer has greater hopes of achieving new top-notch performances. 

Waiting to beat the Mercedes and Ferrari in qualifying, Japanese engineers can still remember their first pole position acquired in the 15st century. She is now XNUMX years old, and was won by Jenson Button aboard his BAR in Imola (Italy). An authentic feat! 

During this spring of 2004, the Ferrari duo-Michael Schumacher was untouchable. Before arriving for the first European Grand Prix, the German won all three races (Australia, Malaysia, Bahrain) with a F2004 decked out in extremely competitive Bridgestone tires. 

Only the surprising Jenson Button kept up the pace at times, signing two third places. The handsome English kid has until now been making headlines more for his nightlife than for his results on the track. But hope finally revealed itself in the team managed by David Richards. 

The BAR 006, created under the supervision of Geoff Willis, had an engine with huge power of 900 horsepower. It’s especially the weight that still impresses in 2019: 605 kg ! Finally, it was distinguished from its rivals by a lower center of gravity. With such a technical sheet, not surprising that several lap records set that year still stand 15 years later... 

At that time, the qualification system was very different of the Q1-Q2-Q3 format. The drivers started in the reverse order of the pre-qualifying tests and only had one lap to record their time! So you had to aim right the first time. 

On the Enzo e Dino Ferrari track, the future 2009 world champion achieved a perfect lap. He covers the 4,909 km in just 1’19”753. Listen to the V10 atmo engine getting to know the 19 rpm and admire the escalation of the vibrators! 

#OnThisDay in 2004

The first of eight career pole positions for @JensonButton #F1 pic.twitter.com/oDYGhH1BeA

- Formula 1 (@ F1) April 24th

Was Michael Schumacher able to beat him? The “Kaiser” was virtually two tenths ahead after the first two sectors, but he missed the Alta Variant!

It was therefore the very first pole for Jenson Button in F1, just as for his BAR team, which appeared in 1999. A Honda unit had not been on pole for almost 12 years and the 1992 Canadian GP. 

« Jenson drove phenomenally, rejoiced David Richards. If you look at his last sector, that’s where he made the difference. This morning, he told me that he was keeping some under control in this portion. I think he gave it his all this time! »

The person concerned is in heaven. “I loved this ride. It was fantastic ! I was a little worried because I didn't have much grip. I don't think I made a mistake in this round. When leaving tomorrow, I will have no one in front of me. It will be unprecedented », he remarks.

After letting the Englishman boast, Michael Schumacher will regain his scepter of king during the race, thanks to a better strategy. The first victory of Honda and Jenson Button in the third millennium was postponed until Hungary in August 2006.