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Button writes off Singapore GP chances

Jenson Button F1 Press Conference, Sept 18. Photo: Shaun Phang

Jenson Button F1 Press Conference, Sept 18. Photo: Shaun Phang

SINGAPORE — He may have finished second in the last two races here, but Jenson Button has all but written off his chances of a third straight podium finish at this Sunday’s Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

Speaking at an ExxonMobil event at ION Orchard yesterday, the 33-year-old former world champion was candid about his team’s current MP4-28 car, which has been uncompetitive this season and McLaren’s move to shut down development on it.

According to the 2009 world champion, McLaren are already focusing their resources on producing a far better race machine for the 2014 season, when F1 will feature new 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines with a greater emphasis on energy recovery systems and refined rules for aerodynamics.

“We’re not doing work in the wind tunnel with this year’s car anymore,” said Button. “We still have developments, but they’re all things that will hopefully help the 2014 car, so we’re not doing work unless it’s going to help with the new car.”

In fact, given McLaren’s inability to compete this year, Button believes matching his fifth-placed finish at the Chinese Grand Prix — his best result this season — would be an achievement.

“It (a podium finish) is not going to happen this year, we’re not quick enough. I don’t really know where we stand this weekend,” he said. “The reality is I think fifth place will be amazing for us and I think that should be our aim here.”

Nevertheless, Button is a self-confessed fan of the Singapore Grand Prix’s 5.073km anti-clockwise Marina Bay Street circuit, likening it to Monaco where “one small mistake and that’s your qualifying over”.

“It’s tough but that’s what we’re here to do, to get the best out of ourselves,” he said.

“When I started in Formula 1, you didn’t have these run-off areas, which the new circuits have, so you have to (be accurate), otherwise you’ll end up in the wall or the gravel trap. All the new circuits you see, it’s like driving in the car park whereas this is not like that.”

Now into his fourth year with McLaren, which he joined after winning the 2009 championship with Brawn, Button has not ruled out the possibility of ending his F1 career with the Woking-based team.

“It’s all good. I think both parties agree we want to work together. The future is very exciting at McLaren. Next year with the regulation changes, the new engines, power unit, aerodynamics ... and then 2015 with Honda (when a new engine partnership kicks in),” he said.

“I’ve worked with Honda for many years and have a good relationship with them ... that could be a new lease of life for everyone, including the team and myself. I have a contract for next year, I think ... then after that, we’ll have to see.”

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