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Button expects to 'reboot' season in China

Jenson Button: "We're actually all looking forward to seeing just what we can achieve in Shanghai" © Sutton Images

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McLaren's Jenson Button is viewing the Chinese Grand Prix as a fresh start to his 2013 title campaign after the disappointment of the first two races.

Button scored just two points in Australia and Malaysia, but was on his way to a likely fifth place finish at Sepang before a wheel gun problem ruined his chances. McLaren showed signs of improvements between the two opening rounds and Button is hoping his season can really start to kick off in China next weekend in an updated MP4-28.

"In a funny way, the Chinese Grand Prix almost feels like something of a reboot of the start of my season. Taking home two points from the first two races obviously wasn't what we had in mind at the beginning of the year, but I think everybody in the team has picked themselves up and really attacked the task of addressing our car's issues. We know where we're losing performance, so I think we're actually all looking forward to seeing just what we can achieve in Shanghai.

"The important thing for us as a team is to go into the weekend with clear focus, hone our strengths across the sessions and increase our understanding of the car. I definitely think there's everything to play for with this championship, and I can't wait to get back into the cockpit to start the fight again."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh is confident the improvements the team has been working on in the factory this week will have the desired effect.

"Clearly, our performance in Australia and Malaysia fell below the high standards we've come to expect at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. However, the three-week break between rounds two and three has been a useful one; we have been fully engaged in further developing our understanding of the MP4-28 and are confident of being able to implement a number of changes this weekend that will widen its operating window and, potentially, improve its performance.

"Formula 1 is an unpredictable beast. We've enjoyed some very competitive weekends in Shanghai in the past - with some equally unexpected results - and I feel confident and excited that we head to China next week with the hope of making further progress and eating into the advantage currently held by the leading pack."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.