Since unveiling their latest car, the MP4-26, much later than their rivals, McLaren have endured teething problems which have resulted in a lack of time on track in the past two tests.But on the first day of the final pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Button finished second quickest, just over three tenths of a second behind Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
Button said: “It hasn’t been quite the best start to the year in terms of testing, mileage, reliability and also pace.
“I’d be surprised if we can really match the Red Bull and the Ferrari when we get to Melbourne.
“That’s a big ask considering the mileage we have done compared to them and the pace in the last tests compared to them.
“But never say never. We have made some good progress and I am happy with what we have achieved.”
Button now has just one more day in the McLaren ahead of the first practice session of the season around Melbourne’s Albert Park on March 25.
Source: Daily Express
