Jenson Button says F1 bosses must listen to drivers ahead of Australia Grand Prix
Date published : 23 Mar 2010 - 18:15:38
The world champion admits that this season's rule changes including a ban on in-race refuelling and narrower front tyres have backfired spectacularly, with overtaking next to impossible in Bahrain.
Speaking in Melbourne, on his first return to the Albert Park circuit since his emotional win on Brawn GP's debut 12 months ago, Button said the powers-that-be should listen to those in control of the cars.
Related ArticlesBrundle's pitwalk is F1's only spectacleF1 science leaves Joe Public coldButton shrugs off poor debutThis is F1 but only to those in the knowVettel's fate sparks warning to F1Sport on television"The drivers have a good understanding of what the car is doing on the circuit and what the possibilities are of improving the car," he said.
"We know what we need to overtake and the thing is this season we have taken away a lot of mechanical grip with going to a narrow front tyre. At the same time we have more downforce on the car than we had last year.
"The problem is when you come up behind someone, you lose that downforce and you don't have the mechanical grip you had last year to follow.
"It is a very tricky situation and I hope it is different here. But if you look at it, you'd say it is going to be the same as Bahrain."
Button has suggested that "smaller" brakes, less fuel and more mechanical grip would spice up the show, but added that the sport needs to give it a couple more races before making any rash decisions.
"Let's not get too carried away, but if the next two races are also not very exciting, then we as F1 need to look at the options and that's not just pointing a finger at one or two people," Button said.
"We all need to have ideas and hopefully we [the drivers] are listened to and we can improve the sport."
Button added that the Melbourne circuit could help to mix things up as it is "tough on the tyres", meaning cars' performances could vary wildly depending on grip levels.
And he feels that his team are on course for a massive improvement on their showing in Bahrain, even if they are still some way short of pacesetters Ferrari and, in particular, Red Bull, whose speed has been described as "insane" by Button's team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
"I'm really excited," Button said. "Melbourne is a circuit I have always enjoyed I've put it on pole a couple of times there and I won here last year. It was a very emotional weekend for me last year and for Brawn, and the memories will all come flooding back.
"I think we have the right downforce package for Sunday so I'm hoping we will be in the mix. I don't think the Red Bulls are unbeatable although they and Ferrari are both very strong."
