Jenson Button “very optimistic”

Jenson Button, after the cocoon of Brackley, did not choose the easy way by joining McLaren, the team dedicated to Lewis Hamilton. Before thinking about competition from the 2008 world champion, Button prefers to take advantage of the quality of the team he is discovering.

« It?s fantastic to be part of one of the most prestigious teams in the world. F1, says Button. And it?s also very exhilarating. I was part of the same team for seven years so this is a big cultural change for me. There are many faces to remember, many names to learn. But I am very satisfied, there is a great atmosphere in the team. I can't wait to get into the new car that the team has developed for me! »

Even though it was announced several weeks ago, Jenson Button is somewhat frustrated at not having driven yet. “ Not having tests due until the first week of February is a good thing and a bad thing. It gives me time to get to know the McLaren staff better and to integrate into the team, which I am determined to do. But, at the same time, it?s another month without driving the car. Having the maximum number of kilometers under my belt in the first race will be crucial. »

Even if he arrives with humility within the Woking team, Jenson Button recognizes that he does not lack motivation in his objectives, including that of retaining his world crown. “ My goal is to keep the number 1 on my car as long as possible. But, for the moment, it is too early to talk about the world championship. In order to be able to compete for the title, you must above all have good preparation. »

Before piloting the new car of McLaren, Jenson Button knows that the pre-season, without driving, is just as important as the rest of the year. “ The work begins now. The next ten weeks could well dictate, in part, the fate of the next world championship. It is therefore essential to start the next tests very strongly and not to relax our efforts. »

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the forces present in 2010, the reigning world champion is focused and ready to fight. “ I am more motivated than ever to work with the team and my engineers. I am very optimistic for the coming season. »