• Australian Grand Prix

Late Melbourne start potentially 'dangerous' - Button

Jenson Button has concerns over the Australian Grand Prix's late start time that will see the drivers finishing the race as the sun sets in Melbourne.

The race will start at 5.00pm local time and could run as late as 7.00pm. The later start time was introduced last year to allow the race to be broadcast at a more sociable hour in Europe. It attracted criticism from some drivers who complained of the low sun hindering their visibility, and Button, who won with Brawn in Melbourne last year, said there are still concerns ahead of this weekend's race.

"It sounds petty, but it's not," he told Reuters. "It can be dangerous if you've got the sun in your eyes and you can't see where you're going. But I'd rather be racing in the day, even a twilight race for me, I'd rather that than the night time. Out in front is probably not such a bad place to be [as the sun sets], so hopefully we can put ourselves in the same place and won't have to worry."

Realistically, Button thinks McLaren can challenge for podiums this weekend but is wary of the Bahrain pacesetters.

"I think Red Bulls are very strong, I think the Ferraris are very strong, and then it's probably us," Button said. "But I'm hoping with the circuit change and a few little updates we'll be closer to them and maybe challenging them here.

"The first race for us was difficult. I don't think the car suited Bahrain too well. I think it will suit this circuit better. It's a lower downforce circuit so we have to wait and see. A podium would be fantastic here. I think that has to be the aim. I think it's a possibility and you've got to set your sights pretty high."

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