“Some parts could work, some might not. Obviously we hope they all do.
“If you find some parts do work then you know which direction you need to
keep working in.
“But whatever happens I don’t think the guys will get down.
“We’re very good at improving throughout a season, and if this weekend
doesn’t go to plan, we’ll still keep pushing.
“We want to win races – this team has won many races in its history – and
that hasn’t changed now.
“We’re still a team that fights for victories, and we’re going to do
everything we can to do that.”
With just 13 points to his name Button is already 64 behind reigning
three-time champion Sebastian Vettel, and with hopes already rapidly fading
of a title challenge.
As for Button’s own motivation, he added: “You have ups and downs.
“This team has been very strong over the past few years, and although we
haven’t clinched the title, we’ve won a lot of grands prix.
“It’s not always going to be good, but we’re working as hard as we can to
make it great, and that’s the aim for the future.”
Ahead of today’s two practice sessions, Button concedes the team’s target is a
modest one, rather than boldly suggesting they now have it in their locker
to push the best.
“We’re obviously hoping for an improvement,” said Button.
“There are a lot of new parts on the car, but we haven’t driven it yet,
so we don’t know how it feels.
“The data tells you one thing, but you have to feel it in reality to see
if it gives you what you hope for.
“But it’s so competitive at the moment in Formula One, and the smallest
change can make a big difference, and we have to hope for that.
“We just need to see an improvement. You’re not going to see us putting
it on pole position.
“But to see an improvement at least in the car, and getting into Q3
without it being a massive struggle, has to be our aim this weekend.”
(Edited by Oliver Pickup)