Button says wins are possible in '09
Posted by danm
LOL!
[www.itv-f1.com]
'Jenson Button believes Honda's 2009 machine will be quick enough to allow him to fight for podiums again, and perhaps even another race victory.
Speaking at the Japanese manufacturer's traditional end-of-season 'Honda Racing Thanks Day' at Motegi earlier this week, Button thanked the fans for their continued support through the team's difficult season, and reassured the Japanese crowd that Honda's recovery was about to commence.
Honda was one of the first teams to switch all its attention to the radical 2009 regulations, and with this head-start and the presence of Ross Brawn as team boss, Button is confident that things will get better next year.
"I'd like to say a massive thank you for all your support," he told the 25,000 Japanese fans at the event.
"The last two years have been very difficult for all of us, but I think we have a very strong team and we have a real passion for racing, so things will come good for us.
"I've already seen what is happening with the car for next year, and it looks very positive.
"It feels more like 2006, when I got three podiums and I won my first race.
"So it's all very positive, and I'm hoping to get some more wins next year."
Button joined stars of Honda's motorcycle racing, Japanese motorsport, and IndyCar programmes at the event.
He demonstrated the 2008 Honda Formula 1 car around the Motegi track's high-speed oval, tried out Honda's latest road cars, and pitted his RA108 against MotoGP race winner Dani Pedrosa's Honda motorcycle.
Although rain later caused some of the festivities to be abandoned, it didn't deter wet weather specialist Button from returning to the track to keep the fans entertained.
"I look forward to coming to the Honda Racing Thanks Day every year because the Japanese fans are so passionate and supportive," he said.
"They welcome and cheer me on as much as my home British fans."'
Jenson drives it like he owns it; Lewis drives it like he stole it
[www.itv-f1.com]
'Jenson Button believes Honda's 2009 machine will be quick enough to allow him to fight for podiums again, and perhaps even another race victory.
Speaking at the Japanese manufacturer's traditional end-of-season 'Honda Racing Thanks Day' at Motegi earlier this week, Button thanked the fans for their continued support through the team's difficult season, and reassured the Japanese crowd that Honda's recovery was about to commence.
Honda was one of the first teams to switch all its attention to the radical 2009 regulations, and with this head-start and the presence of Ross Brawn as team boss, Button is confident that things will get better next year.
"I'd like to say a massive thank you for all your support," he told the 25,000 Japanese fans at the event.
"The last two years have been very difficult for all of us, but I think we have a very strong team and we have a real passion for racing, so things will come good for us.
"I've already seen what is happening with the car for next year, and it looks very positive.
"It feels more like 2006, when I got three podiums and I won my first race.
"So it's all very positive, and I'm hoping to get some more wins next year."
Button joined stars of Honda's motorcycle racing, Japanese motorsport, and IndyCar programmes at the event.
He demonstrated the 2008 Honda Formula 1 car around the Motegi track's high-speed oval, tried out Honda's latest road cars, and pitted his RA108 against MotoGP race winner Dani Pedrosa's Honda motorcycle.
Although rain later caused some of the festivities to be abandoned, it didn't deter wet weather specialist Button from returning to the track to keep the fans entertained.
"I look forward to coming to the Honda Racing Thanks Day every year because the Japanese fans are so passionate and supportive," he said.
"They welcome and cheer me on as much as my home British fans."'
gav Wrote:
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> ITV's headline is completely misleading too, as he
> said nothing of the sort. If he didn't have "hope"
> he might as well quit now. Crossing your fingers
> and stating things are possible are very
> different.
>
> He was there to please a crowd. He was hardly
> going to say "yeah, we suck" was he?
>
> Agreed with Nick's assessment of chances. In that
> pack challenging for the tail end of the points,
> perhaps consistently, is the best I expect.
Agreed, miseading title, but disagreed about losing it along time ago. We know when Honda provide a car to do well then he does do that and often the case better than well.
I do however believe if this years Honda is not good enough for strong points then Buttons motivation will not be lifted to what it once was. This year is the final chance for both Honda and Jenson. Whats sad is that the opinion of Jense strongly depends on Honda's performances.
Has there been a driver in the past who has been
"Trulli was slowing down like he wanted to have a picnic" LOL
-------------------------------------------------------
> ITV's headline is completely misleading too, as he
> said nothing of the sort. If he didn't have "hope"
> he might as well quit now. Crossing your fingers
> and stating things are possible are very
> different.
>
> He was there to please a crowd. He was hardly
> going to say "yeah, we suck" was he?
>
> Agreed with Nick's assessment of chances. In that
> pack challenging for the tail end of the points,
> perhaps consistently, is the best I expect.
Agreed, miseading title, but disagreed about losing it along time ago. We know when Honda provide a car to do well then he does do that and often the case better than well.
I do however believe if this years Honda is not good enough for strong points then Buttons motivation will not be lifted to what it once was. This year is the final chance for both Honda and Jenson. Whats sad is that the opinion of Jense strongly depends on Honda's performances.
Has there been a driver in the past who has been
"Trulli was slowing down like he wanted to have a picnic" LOL
@Q 1s2
Was Just thinking that Button will be a never was at Honda he had one good year when all the other teams (Except Ferari) had a bad year
It's a Shame loved him in 2000
The Thunder from Downunder
Was Just thinking that Button will be a never was at Honda he had one good year when all the other teams (Except Ferari) had a bad year
It's a Shame loved him in 2000
poor guy could of been at mclaren 
_________________________________________________
BRING IT ON!!!
_________________________________________________
BRING IT ON!!!
Should have gone Back to Williams
Honda look to me like a half hearted effort
The Thunder from Downunder
Honda look to me like a half hearted effort
gav Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He was there to please a crowd. He was hardly
> going to say "yeah, we suck" was he?
>
> Agreed with Nick's assessment of chances. In that
> pack challenging for the tail end of the points,
> perhaps consistently, is the best I expect.
Actually, that IS what Button usually does. I know several times in the last couple of seasons he has came out and said "we can't compete" Or "don't expect us to win any races this year", and the thing that always anooyed me about it was that his "predictions" usually took place at the beginning of the season. Maybe he was spot on in his assessment, but I can't imagine such negative speak doing anything to motivate the team, much less the Honda workers back at the factory.
What Button needs to do is restrict his talk to the race track, and show rather than tell what the Honda is capable of.
BTW - I agree with both of your assessments on Honda's chances. A win would be shocking...
"There are some pikeys there at Turn 10 putting tarmac down - what do you think of that?" - Martin Brundle
-------------------------------------------------------
> He was there to please a crowd. He was hardly
> going to say "yeah, we suck" was he?
>
> Agreed with Nick's assessment of chances. In that
> pack challenging for the tail end of the points,
> perhaps consistently, is the best I expect.
Actually, that IS what Button usually does. I know several times in the last couple of seasons he has came out and said "we can't compete" Or "don't expect us to win any races this year", and the thing that always anooyed me about it was that his "predictions" usually took place at the beginning of the season. Maybe he was spot on in his assessment, but I can't imagine such negative speak doing anything to motivate the team, much less the Honda workers back at the factory.
What Button needs to do is restrict his talk to the race track, and show rather than tell what the Honda is capable of.
BTW - I agree with both of your assessments on Honda's chances. A win would be shocking...
"There are some pikeys there at Turn 10 putting tarmac down - what do you think of that?" - Martin Brundle
What is with all these 'they cant get out of their slump' comments etc. Teams have made vast improvemnets between seasons before, Honda from 2005 to 2006 for example, Torro Roso during the season this year, Mclarens huge boost in reliablilty over the past few years etc.
Drivers have also improved between years, so i cant see why a little optimism in saying that Honda can be in the top four teams cant hurt at all.
However i agree with Gav, its sad that ITV obviously cannot understand English and actually translated what Button said to make a more amazing article title. Deary dear.
Drivers have also improved between years, so i cant see why a little optimism in saying that Honda can be in the top four teams cant hurt at all.
However i agree with Gav, its sad that ITV obviously cannot understand English and actually translated what Button said to make a more amazing article title. Deary dear.
true, but most of them weren't massive improvements really. honda had a really strong 2nd half of 2005 and mclaren only had to focus on reliability rather than everything (like honda). toro rosso improved, but that would be expected, since they only got their 2008 car quite a few races into the season.
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