Button hopeful of better F1 year

BRITAIN’S 2009 Formula One world champion Jenson Button admits he has no idea what to expect from the new McLaren-Honda MP4-30 this season.

This follows a difficult start to the campaign at the first pre-season test in Jerez.

McLaren has joined forces with the Japanese manufacturer once more after a 22-year absence, but the incorporation of a new power unit has proved troublesome as Button and teammate Fernando Alonso have done just six laps each on the opening two days of testing.

“In terms of understanding our performance, we’re still at zero. We don’t know where we are,” 35-year-old Button said.

McLaren’s slow start came after Button’s wait until De- cember to find out if he would have a seat for a 15th consecutive season in F1, eventually edging out last season’s teammate Kevin Magnussen for the right to partner Alonso.

Button had just the one podium in a disappointing 2014, but believed there was more reason for optimism this year.

“There is no reason for my spirits not to be high. I’m with a great team, a great partnership and there is a lot to look forward to.,” he said.

“I’m not going to give you figures or positions that we’ll finish in certain races or the championship because none of us know.”

Button believes the veteran pairing can work together harmoniously to make McLaren a contender again.