Button vows to rediscover winning way
CHAMPIONSHIP leader Jenson Button insists he does not want to go on limping his way towards a maiden world title.
The Brawn GP driver failed to finish for the first time this season on Sunday at the Belgian Grand Prix, and has taken just 11 points from the last five races.
Despite his waning form Button still holds a 16-point lead over his nearest rival, team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
The Englishman is tipped to land his maiden world title if he can register another 11 points from the remaining five grands prix.
But Button is not content to become champion by default, and is determined to rediscover the form that swept him to six wins on the first seven races – starting next week in Italy.
“I know all I need to do is finish fourth or fifth, but that’s not what I want to do. I want to win races,” said Button.
“You’ve got to say: ‘think about the championship’ but I still want to win races. It’s what I’m here to do, and it’s what I love doing, competing at the front. So I’m going to be aggressive. I’m not going to suddenly back off after qualifying and take it easy in the races because even if I’m in fifth I still want to do well.
“I still want to win races and I still want to be competitive, and that’s exactly what I hope will happen at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.”
Meanwhile, Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella is expected to join Ferrari on a temporary basis ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
The 36-year-old, who finished runner-up to Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, would replace former test driver Luca Badoer who has disappointed in his two races as stand-in for the injured Felipe Massa, finishing last in Spa.
Fisichella’s move could be announced as early as today.