JUNE 21, 2011

Overtaking at Valencia still tough, says Button

Despite another double DRS zone in Valencia, Canadian GP winner Jenson Button is predicting that overtaking will still prove difficult in the European GP.

Despite another double DRS zone in Valencia, Canadian GP winner Jenson Button is predicting that overtaking will still prove difficult in the European GP.

Indirectly, the first of the two DRS zones in Montreal was instrumental in the last lap drama as Sebastian Vettel ran off line attempted to keep Button out of the DRS zone on the final lap.

Since Valencia's arrival on the F1 calendar in 2008, overtaking moves have been rare, thanks to curving straights, if that makes sense, and dust off the racing line.

This year, the 25-turn lap will feature DRS zones after Turns 10 and 14, but Button is unsure how much benefit the will bring.

"I'm looking forward to Valencia," he says. "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. It's a hard place to pass and, even though there will once again be two DRS zones, I don't think that's going to make it much easier during the race."