• Spanish Grand Prix

Small differences key for Button in Barcelona

ESPN Staff
May 5, 2012 « Spain will help to unravel 2012 pecking order - Vettel | Grosjean targets Barcelona front row »
Jenson Button: "You need to have absolutely every box ticked if you're going to win at Barcelona" © Sutton Images
Enlarge
Related Links

Jenson Button says that "the smallest differences" will have a big impact between drivers in next weekend's Spanish Grand Prix due to the teams' familiarity with the circuit.

Two of the three pre-season tests took place at the Circuit de Catalunya, with the track having been a regularly used venue for testing due to its high-speed nature. In a tight season where set-up has become even more crucial, Button says all of the teams are likely to have a good car in Barcelona and will need to find that little bit extra performance to win.

"Barcelona can be a funny circuit," Button said. "We all test there so regularly that every driver knows it like the back of his hand, yet it can still be an extremely tricky place to get absolutely right. But, because every team is so dialled in to the track, even having a well-sorted car isn't necessarily the answer because it's sometimes the smallest differences that determine the order."

Button added that the key to a strong display next weekend would be finding the right balance.

"You need to have absolutely every box ticked if you're going to win at Barcelona. It's a place that punishes poor balance like almost nowhere else - if your car is understeering around here, then you're going to really struggle."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close