• European Grand Prix - Qualifying

Frustrated Button pessimistic over race chances

Jenson Button could not replicate his Q2 pace in Q3 © Sutton Images

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• Report:
• Imperious Vettel takes Valencia pole
  

• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Jenson Button

• Teams:
• McLaren

Jenson Button was frustrated that his problems with front locking returned in Q3 after a successful qualifying session in Valencia.

Having struggled in Friday practice, Button seemed to have resolved his problems as he set the fastest time in FP3. In qualifying he still looked strong but then was only able to qualify in ninth place after setting a time 0.3s slower than his best lap in Q2. After the session, Button said that he was perplexed as to why it had happened because no changes had been made to his car.

"You're never going to be happy with ninth," Button said. "Most of qualifying it was going really well and on my old tyres I was only 0.2s off of Rosberg, and then I put the new tyres on and I don't go any quicker. The balance was massively different on new tyres in Q3, I just had no front grip and massive amounts of front locking. Unless the circuit changed massively we did something wrong but we supposedly didn't change anything."

When asked if he could still make progress in the race tomorrow, Button was downbeat.

"Not really, we're in Valencia, not a lot happens here in the race. You can't overtake round here and I think if you get it right on the strategy then maybe, but the way the tyres seem to hold on for most people it's not going to be the most exciting race I don't think. The only person I'd say that maybe will move up will probably be the Lotus in fourth."

Later on Twitter, Button seemed more optimistic that he may be able to make some progress in the race.

"Hey guys another tough day. Sorry 4 my negative comments about Valencia. Now I've calmed down I think there is still a lot to play 4 Sunday!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.