JULY 25, 2013

Button expects McLaren to beat Force India

Although now firmly focused on 2014, McLaren should be able to overtake Force India by the end of the season.

Although now firmly focused on 2014, McLaren should be able to overtake Force India by the end of the season.

That is the view of Jenson Button, who admitted that the great British team's pale form this season "hurts".

With McLaren ten points behind Force India for fifth in the constructors' championship, the British driver told Russia's Championat that is "not a position we want to be in".

"But they (Force India) didn't make any mistakes in the design of their car in the winter," said Button.

"Yes, we are behind them now, but I don't think we'll be behind them at the end of the season."

Button said McLaren took a "radical approach" to 2013 "that didn't work out", while Force India "just developed their car from last year".

"They are competitive now," he added, "but I think we will be able to improve more than they will."

Button said McLaren has identified the cause of the problems with the MP4-28, and is therefore now focused on an all-new car for 2014.

"We will continue to develop this (2013) car," he explained, "but only in the areas that will help us in 2014.

"Our goal has to be to build a good car for 2014," added Button.

(GMM)