Button plays down safety fears

McLaren’s Jenson Button admits to placing his complete trust in the FIA with regard to this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Formula One personnel have so far been untroubled by the myriad of protests and rallies this week, even if there is an anti-F1 slant in some places.

That was evident on Tuesday in the village of Al Dair where a 5,000-strong group of men, women and children staged a pro-democracy demonstration, but also voiced their opposition towards F1.

Where the sport is concerned, however, the emphasis is on safety, and it is apparent that on the roads to the Sakhir International Circuit there is an increased police presence with scores of vehicles.

Button, when asked whether he had any safety concerns this weekend, issued a firm: “No.” He added: “I trust in the FIA that they know all the information — I don’t personally — so we have to trust in their decision. I don’t think they will ever want to put us at risk.”

On the track, for Button, who has spent the last couple of days warm-weather training in Dubai after a chilly weekend in Shanghai, the heat of the Middle East is certainly welcome.

With temperatures expected to be over 30C, Button added: “It’s a massive thing for us, for me especially. I don’t know why I can’t work tyres in cold conditions. It must be the way I drive. I’ve tried driving differently but it doesn’t work. Heat really helps me.”