Jenson Button will replace Fernando Alonso at Monaco

From the announcement of Fernando Alonso's entry to the Indy 500 next May 28 with McLaren, Andretti and Honda, all eyes were logically turned towards Jenson Button to replace the Spanish driver in the streets of the Principality of Monaco for the Grand Prix, contested on the same day as the American classic.

McLaren confirmed this Friday the return to the seat of the 2009 world champion, who will discover the MCL32 – Honda on the track, after taking a step back at the end of 2016 and being replaced as the starter by Stoffel Vandoorne.

“I am delighted to make this return for a race in Formula 1, and I don't think there's a better place for that than my adopted Grand Prix: Monaco, confesses Button, winner in the Principality in 2009 with Brawn GP, ​​the year of his world title.

It's a tough street circuit where a good driver can really make a difference. And even though the McLaren-Honda MCL32 hasn't started the season well, I think it's more suited to Monaco than the faster circuits that Fernando and Stoffel have raced on so far this season. »

Points objective in Monaco

Regularly the scene of action-packed races, Monaco could offer McLaren the opportunity to score points, something that neither Alonso nor Vandoorne were able to accomplish in Australia and China.

“I realize that we will have no realistic chance of repeating my victory from 2009, but I think we will have the opportunity to score points, which will be very valuable for the team in terms of the constructors' standings. » admits Button who will be able to familiarize himself with the procedures in the Woking simulator to prepare for this meeting.

The old pilot Williams Furthermore, he has no concerns about his physical condition. “I am looking forward to facing the unique challenge of the Monaco Grand Prix. I will drive the car in the simulator, and I think I will be ready for the race.

I'm extremely fit, having done a lot of triathlons recently, so I have no worries about that. And it will be good to say hello to all my former Formula 1 comrades, and hopefully give the fans something to get excited about. »

Button as an attentive viewer of the Indy 500

Jenson Button also admits that he intends to watch his former teammate Fernando Alonso perform on the Indianapolis oval, as soon as the Monaco Grand Prix is ​​over. “As for Fernando, I hope he not only performs well at the Indy 500, but also enjoys it.

It will be a great experience for him. He is an excellent driver, as we all know, and he is very experienced, so although the techniques of riding at such speeds are new to him, I expect him to be on the pace very quickly. And Sunday evening, after the Monaco Grand Prix, I'm going to watch it on TV. I'm excited for that too. »

McLaren has confirmed that Alonso will return for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on June 11.