Jenson Button says there have been noticeable gains with the Honda power unit which should help McLaren in today’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Honda brought an update to its power unit at Barcelona as it seeks for improved drivability and reliability following a tough opening four races. While both McLarens made it through to Q2, its long run pace has left Fernando Alonso confident of points. Although Button is more reserved about McLaren’s chances he believes the step forward from Honda will be seen in race trim.
“I think we do have some gains on the PU which is great, which should be a positive [in the race],” Button said. “I don’t know where we’re going to end up but I am happy with the progress we’ve made this weekend. I think it’s great to see in qualifying we can be 13th and 14th. At the last race Fernando was in 14th but a few other cars had problems. Now this is just straightforward, our pace has stepped forward, which is great.
“Hopefully we can put that to good use and make the best use out of what we have and other people won’t. Then there’s always the possibility of points, yes.”
Having previously said it could be Europe before McLaren is competitive, racing director Eric Boullier says he is pleased with the team’s progress so far.
“I think we have already won the best progress of the year from testing to the race,” Boullier says. “We have a lot obviously to come, we have to go step-by-step. As we keep saying, we have a lot of time to claim. Every race we bring some improvements, we have to keep working, keep believing in what we are doing and I think we will get there.”
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