Button demanded safety assurances from McLaren

MELBOURNE — Jenson Button has revealed that he insisted that McLaren ensure their cars are safe in the wake of the accident that put Fernando Alonso out of tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix.

Button, entering his 16th season in Formula 1 after a surprise reprieve from McLaren at the end of last year, said he spent hours trawling through data readouts with his team’s engineers until he was satisfied that there was no danger.

There has been persistent speculation about the circumstances of Alonso’s crash on Feb 22, but McLaren have fervently denied suggestions the car failed.

Button himself described the accident as “strange”, said McLaren chairman Ron Dennis.

Speaking at Melbourne’s Albert Park, a circuit on which he has won three times, Button, 35, said: “I will not get into a car unless I am 100 per cent sure it is safe. I spent hours going through the data with the engineers and talking to them about the incident and he did not, as far as I am aware, get an electric shock and there was nothing wrong with the car whatsoever.

“I needed to know that before getting into the car at the next test, so I made sure of it. When you are driving a Formula 1 car at the limit, you need to be sure. I trust these guys and that is why I have the confidence to drive it this weekend. Everything is working correctly.”

Having been knocked unconscious, the Spaniard — who will be replaced by Kevin Magnussen in Melbourne — spent three nights in hospital and is recovering at his home in Oviedo to prepare for the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 29.

Dennis has been forced to swallow humble pie after contributing to a public relations fiasco for McLaren. He admitted he was wrong to say Alonso had not been concussed and that he “failed” in his attempt to be open and honest.

The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, is still investigating the accident. Its medical team are speaking to Alonso’s doctors to ascertain when or if he will be fit to return.

Although Button is sure of the McLaren car’s safety, its speed is almost completely unknown. Honda’s return as engine supplier has been turbulent, with very little mileage covered in pre-season.

“We definitely won’t be fighting for a win here,” said Button.

“The important thing for us is to see improvements every race and progress. I would rather not score points here and then win a race later in the year. I have no interest in scoring two or three points.”

Australian Grand Prix on TV:

Qualifying — Singtel TV Ch 116 and StarHub TV Ch 210, 1.30pm on Saturday.

Main Race — Singtel TV Ch 116 and StarHub TV Ch 208, 12.30pm on Sunday.