Thursday, April 2, 2009

Jense fears weather will mar Malaysian GP

Wednesday 1st April 2009

Jenson Button knows hopes of back-to-back victories for the first time in his Formula One career are at the mercy of Malaysia's renowned weather.

As with Australia, in a bid to attract a considerable European TV audience, this Sunday's race carries a local start time of 5pm.

Unfortunately for the drivers, that is generally around the time when the heavens decide to open for a short, sharp, heavy downpour, which could throw the grand prix into chaos in the opening stages.

The hot and humid climate lends itself to such a meteorological phenomenon, and for Button that will only add to the problems on top of the 50 degree temperatures that usually prevail inside the cockpit of the car.

Although buoyed by a stunning and historic start to the season with new boys Brawn GP after leading home team-mate Rubens Barrichello in a one-two at Melbourne, Button appreciates another win will not be so easy to come by.

"It's going to be interesting, and with a five o'clock race, it's probably going to be wet, isn't it?" queried Button.

"That's a pity in a way. I'd rather it was dry because although Rubens and I are both good in the wet, we haven't driven this car in those conditions yet."

Although the car was 15 months in the making, it only hit the track just three weeks ago following the team's resurrection in the wake of Honda Racing's demise.

Button knows the weekend will be a stern test on the whole team, not just himself.

"It is always one of the toughest races of the season, and it will be a real challenge for our new car with so little testing under our belts," added Button.

"The climate will really test the car's durability, and with those frequent torrential downpours, it can make for an unpredictable weekend.

"It's also a tough place for the drivers as the heat in the cockpit can be unbearable, testing the limit of your fitness and concentration.

"But despite that, after such an amazing weekend in Melbourne, I can't wait to get back inside the car.

"My first podium was also in Malaysia (in 2004), and it's a circuit I really enjoy because it's very fast and flowing, and a lot of fun to drive.

"It's a special place, and I can only hope this weekend provides me with some more happy memories."

Button and Barrichello are again expected to dominate as they did in Melbourne when they became the first team since 1954 to finish one-two on their debut.

The 29-year-old, though, is convinced that on a more conventional circuit such as Sepang, their rivals will be closer.

"We don't know who is going to be quick there because it is such a different circuit to Melbourne," added Button.

"You'd say we are going to be competitive, but it's a question of who else is going to be up there with us.

"I think the Ferrari is going to be quicker there because of the KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) which will help them quite a lot.

"As for McLaren, I don't really know about them."

Source : Planet F1

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