Iron man Button primed for glory

Jenson Button feels being arguably the fittest driver in Formula One also gives him a mental edge and keeps his nerves in check as he targets a second world title.

McLaren driver Button has become a supreme athlete since teaming up with personal trainer Mikey Collier in 2008, combining his F1 exploits with competing in triathlons.

To underline Button’s physical condition, Collier has revealed that in pre-season assessment tests by the teams he has served, his now very close friend has been declared the fittest driver over the years.

Given how team-mate Lewis Hamilton also prides himself on being exceptionally fit, such a fact is a considerable compliment to Button, who yesterday finished quickest in practice for tomorrow’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Button should find Melbourne’s Albert Park, where he has twice won in the past, a doddle to drive, even more so if the car beneath him continues to perform.

Although quickest in practice, Button’s time of one minute 27.560secs is four seconds slower than Sebastian Vettel’s pole of last year, underlining there is much more to come following a day that was disrupted by rain.

Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher was quickest in FP2 on a drying track after a torrential downpour 30 minutes before the start.