Having claimed his first victory of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix, Jenson Button reckons he's primed to take the fight for the world title to Sebastian Vettel. Button put in one of his best drives ever to take the success at Montreal - and the much-needed 25 points.
His victory eminent the McLaren driver to second in the drivers' standings, although he still trails Red Bull's Vettel by 60 points. But while the shortfall - especially in light of Vettel's form - may appear huge, there are still an utmost of 300 points to play for this season.
And Button is as aggravated as ever to bag as many of those as possible as he takes the fight to the reigning world champion.It's been a fantastic week in the result of the Canadian Grand Prix,he said.
I had a few days' break right away after the race, which was perfectly timed as it gave me the opportunity to take in all the positive memories of a crazy weekend, and to reflect on an incredible race.
I wouldn't say that winning in Montreal has given me extra incentive, because I was already totally committed, but I think it will help to sharpen the focus and conviction of everyone in the team.We've proved we can confront and beat Sebastian, and we know we can fight for this World Championship.
Looking ahead to the next race, the European GP, Button is sure at the Valencia circuit will suit his McLaren MP4-26. Although the Woking outfit has yet to claim a victory on the Spanish port's street circuit, all three events held at Valencia have seen a McLaren on the podium while in 2010 both Button and his team-mate Lewis Hamilton finished in the top three.
I'm now looking forward to Valencia. I had a good race there last year and I think the track shares some of the characteristics of Montreal and Monaco, so I'm confident that we'll be competitive again.The trick will be to find enough performance in the race to overcome any potential difficulties in qualifying.