Button boosted by McLaren upgrades

Jenson Button is confident McLaren’s latest car updates will see the team pose an increased threat to Red Bull and Ferrari at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Both Button and McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton appeared to lack outright speed relative to their rivals in Singapore two weeks ago, and the Woking-based team have been working hard to close the gap.

A new front wing was wheeled out in Singapore, where Button came home in fourth place, and further revisions for Sunday’s race at Suzuka appear set to enhance the performance of the MP4-25 still further.

“I personally feel that I’ve improved the car from Singapore,” said Button.

“We were lacking in some areas and changed the set-up quite a bit to help that. And also with putting the upgrades on the car as well we have made a step up.

“I don’t know if Ferrari or Red Bull have big upgrades, but we definitely have an upgrade that will make a difference.”

Asked whether Red Bull would be the team to beat this weekend, Button replied: “No, I don’t think they are.

“I think they’re very good on this type of circuit, but at Spa we were competitive, where you have to have efficient downforce, the same as here.

“We have a very strong engine too, the strongest out there. We’re in a good position. I don’t think they’ll have it all their own way.”

Button is one of five drivers who still have a chance of winning the drivers’ title but needs a favour in the final four races from Red Bull’s Mark Webber, whom he trails in the standings by 25 points.

Of the drivers in championship contention, Webber and his team-mate Sebastian Vettel are the only two without a world title, and Button believes that could be a crucial factor.

“If Mark is consistent in every race, then it’s difficult to beat him,” he said.

“But when you feel you’re under pressure you can make mistakes. Mark’s found himself in a position where he’s leading the world championship, but it’s a very stressful position to be in.

“He’s a very talented driver, but it’s a position he’s never found himself in before, so we’ll see how he copes over the next couple of races.”