• Korean Grand Prix

Button slams Kobayashi's driving

ESPN Staff
October 14, 2012 « Next updates will be key to title - Alonso | A podium finish was possible - Massa »
Jenson Button's front right suspension was broken by Kamui Kobayashi © Sutton Images
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Jenson Button slammed Kamui Kobayashi for "pretty poor driving standards" after being taken out on the opening lap of the Korean Grand Prix.

Kobayashi lost control under braking for turn three and bounced off both Nico Rosberg and Button, forcing both drivers out of the race. Button himself had opted for soft compound tyres in an attempt to run long in the first stint and he said Kobayashi was one of a number of drivers needed to learn not to be so aggressive on the opening lap.

"It's pretty poor driving standards considering this is the pinnacle of motorsport," Button said. "And it's such a long race ... the race is not two corners long and some people need to know that and whether they will ever learn that we'll have to wait and see."

Kobayashi was able to continue following the incident and was handed a drive-through penalty, but Button said he didn't feel it was punishment enough.

"I don't think [it's harsh enough]. You wipe out two cars who have got a very good chance of scoring points ... so no I don't think so."

Button explained that he was also unhappy with future team-mate Sergio Perez for his actions at the start.

"It's like the race is two corners long. I got a really good start and I was able to get past both Mercedes - I was on the inside of Rosberg anyway - and we were braking for the corner and then Sergio braked really late, goes over the inside and he didn't hit me, he actually hit the car in front of me and broke something off the back of that car.

"So I had to run wide and push Nico off the circuit so that we didn't collide, and then me and Nico were having a good little drag race down the back straight which was quite fun - Sauber's all over the back of us - and then I don't know what happened. I braked really late and I saw a car climbing over mine on the right hand side and it was a Sauber again. I don't know what's going on, it's pretty disappointing really. There's so much opportunity here with the way the tyres are working and the DRS zone; it's a great race circuit for overtaking and that's why it's just surprising that people are driving like that."

Button added that it was certainly the end of any title aspirations. When asked if he could still entertain thoughts of winning the championship, Button replied: "No, definitely not.

"But I'm going to enjoy myself over the next few races. Points for the team were really important this weekend and it's out of our hands really."

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