Mclaren driver Jensen Button hoping to complete a hat-trick of victories in Melbourne this Sunday
Mclaren driver Jensen Button hoping to complete a hat-trick of victories in Melbourne this Sunday |
| McLaren Mercedes' British driver Jenson Button celebrates after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne last year. PIC/Getty Images |
Jenson Button would love nothing more than to chalk up a hat trick of Australian Grand Prix victories this weekend, but realistically appreciates it is a long shot.
Melbourne's Albert Park has been a happy hunting ground for the 31-year-old over the last two years, and in contrasting circumstances.
In 2009, as Brawn GP made their debut after the team had been salvaged from the wreckage of Honda's demise, Button blew away the field to secure his first victory for two and a half years.
Then last year, Button made the right tactical call at the right time, and in conjunction with Sebastian Vettel sliding off the circuit, chalked up a maiden triumph with McLaren.
Making it three in a row, however, does not appear to be on the agenda on Sunday, certainly if McLaren's lack of performance in testing is an indicator.
But ever the optimist, Button told Press Association Sport: "I've come to love Australia.
"These last two years it has been good to me, really good to me, and I can't wait to get back on track.
"It's a fun circuit to drive, and with mixed conditions it's very tricky, but I enjoy driving there, and hopefully I can get a hat-trick this year. If I did I'd be very, very happy. Knowing you've won three on the trot at the same circuit, that you've done a great job, would be an amazing feeling.
"Hopefully that will be the case, but we'll have to wait and see just how quick we are."
