05/07/2016
NEWS STORY
Though buoyed by a strong showing in Austria, Jenson Button rules out maiden podium in home race.
A convincing sixth last weekend in Austria, matched Jenson Button's previous best result since Austin in 2015, when he finished sixth also. Prior to that, you have to go back to Australia 2014 - when the McLaren was still powered by Mercedes - to find the British veteran on the podium.
However, despite the 2009 title, the 15 race wins, 8 poles and 8 fastest laps, the Briton has never stood on the podium at his home race, not once in 16 outings, not even his championship year... when he could only manage sixth.
Indeed, his best result at Silverstone is fourth, which he has achieved three times, once with Honda (2004) and twice with McLaren (2010 and 2014).
Sadly, despite last weekend's strong showing, and an ever improving package, including talk of an engine upgrade, the Briton isn't expecting a change to his Silverstone fortunes this weekend.
"I've been going to Silverstone for almost as long as I can remember," he said. "I raced there in karts, in Formula Ford, in Formula 3 and, of course, in F1 for the last 16 years.
"It's a wonderful track and the British fans are something else," he continued. "They've given me unflinching support during my career, through the good times and the bad, and for that I'm hugely grateful.
"The high-speed corners are great fun, and, whatever your car's level of competitiveness, you can't help but smile as you drive through Copse, Maggotts and Becketts because it's so fast through there. Silverstone is one of my highlights of the year."
"Finishing on the podium at the British Grand Prix is top of my 'to do' list in F1," he admitted. "I've achieved pretty much everything else that I set out to do in F1, but I've never stood on the podium at Silverstone. I really want to do that and it would feel like a victory if I were to achieve it.
"Of course, the result in Austria last week really motivates everybody, and it raises everyone's expectations, too. It would be lovely to be able to claim that a podium this year might finally be possible, but, being realistic, that won't be possible this time.
"But I head to Silverstone feeling hugely encouraged by our progress, and just what we can achieve as a team when the variables are thrown into the air and all the teams are left to somewhat improvise: we can do great things. It goes without saying that I'll be giving it everything at Silverstone this weekend."