China: Jenson Button in the 'Fastest Three'

By Phil Huff (25/09/2004)
September 25 2004

Jenson Button's third place grid slot means that the BAR Honda driver had to face the Fastest Three press conference. Here's what he had to say...

Jenson, BAR Honda looking very strong yesterday, quickest in both sessions. This morning, you didn't look that happy with the car but it looked very good in qualifying again.

Yeah, I struggled with the set-up a little bit this morning. I was very happy with the car yesterday. We had a lot of work to do after the third session but we got there in the end. To be third on the grid for tomorrow, I'm reasonably happy. Pre-qualifying was tough. I had very low grip but we sorted that out and third is good.

Yesterday Anthony Davidson was very quick and it was actually a time nobody has managed to crack I don't think.

It's only testing, isn't it, I mean, it's different when it gets to qualifying. But I think we are reasonably happy with third. Today has not been the easiest day. I haven't found the right set-up until qualifying, really. We have been improving the car but it hasn't quite been there. Today in qualifying when I did that lap time I was very happy.

It does seem to be a moving target, the track, as it rubbers in.

Yeah, definitely. It's like any circuit when it rubberss in, but especially here because it's a new surface. But, as I said, to be third I am very happy. As a team we are obviously disappointed that we can't have two cars up there as we're challenging in the championship, but it's good to be in front of both the Renaults.

Especially if you have a look at where the Renaults are.

Yeah, Jacques is quite a way back but Alonso can still do something from there, I think, especially with his starts.

Is that something to look out for tomorrow?

Yeah, definitely. I mean, it's the first race for a while that we are on what should be the clean side. We have got to see what happens in the race but we are reasonably happy and positive for our strategy.

Can you catch Rubens in the drivers' championship?

I think I would have to win two races and I haven't won a race yet – so that could be a little bit difficult – and have a second place. I think I would be dreaming if I said I could.

That's a no then?

Yep.