F1: Button Expecting Early Tire Problems In Race

Formula 1

F1: Button Expecting Early Tire Problems In Race

Defending Australian GP winner Jenson Button qualified just 10th in Melbourne...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 16, 2013 Melbourne (AUS)

Jenson Button has his work cut out for him in Australia. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Jenson Button says he’s surprised to have made the top 10 on the Australian GP grid, but is frustrated about potential tire problems in the race.

Last of those committed to starting on tires used in qualifying, Button says his supersofts are not going to last long.

“I didn’t think I’d be 10th,” said Button. “I mean, the balance of the car is not too bad; we just didn’t have any pace. To be 10th and one second off ninth is a surprise. I’ve also damaged my tires a lot, so it’s going to be a tough afternoon.

“I don’t know how many laps I’m going to be able to do on my option tire; it feels like it’s ready to go in the bin already. Everyone’s got graining in front. I just think mine’s worse. I’ve done more laps.”

Button admitted that McLaren should have kept him in the garage and accepted 10th place – and a free choice of tires.

"We should have done something else, we shouldn’t have maybe run,” he said. “We’ve damaged the tires quite a bit. But we’re racers and we want to go and see what we can do.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.