F1: Button Aiming To Improve Qualifying Form

Formula 1

F1: Button Aiming To Improve Qualifying Form

Jenson Button won the 2011 Canadian GP in memorable fashion...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted June 01, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Jenson Button has struggled in qualifying this year. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jenson Button says he has to turn around his qualifying form, starting with Montreal next weekend.

Button – who has yet to log a pole in a McLaren career that has brought six wins in three seasons – scored a memorable wet victory in Canada in 2011.

“It’s going to be important to get a handle on the car in qualifying,” said Button in a team preview. “At the last two races, Q2 hasn’t gone my way, so, no matter what pace you have in the race, you’re still compromised on Sunday afternoon, particularly as the pack is so tightly bunched at the moment. My aim for the weekend will be to have a stronger qualifying performance and to be able to build on that in the race.”

Button has fond memories of last year: “Obviously, returning to Montreal will be an extremely proud and happy moment for me. My win there last year was one of those rare occasions when everything just came right – it’s still hard to believe that I was running in last place past half-distance and yet still managed to come through and take victory on the final lap. The memories of that win will always be with me.”

Meanwhile, there was a note of encouragement from teammate Lewis Hamilton, whose faith in the team has been questioned.

“This is turning into a unique season – one where every race provides new challenges and different outcomes," Hamilton said. "Even though everything hasn’t gone right for us, I’m confident that myself and the team are doing everything we can to ensure we’re in the best possible position to challenge for victory each and every weekend.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.