Button Flies 30 Hours to Start McLaren Simulation Test in Woking

Coming to Sepang after his wonderful win in Australia, Jenson Button struggled on board of his McLaren Mercedes MP4-25 throughout the Malaysian weekend, finishing on a disappointing 8th place at the chequered flag. According to the reigning world champion, he still has plenty of problems maintaining a good balance for his car during races, which is something he plans on improving as soon as possible.

So much he wants this problem to be fixed that it seems the 30-year old Brit threw away the chance to spend the next few days with his girlfriend Jessica Michibata – who will be modeling and launching a book of her own in Tokyo this week – in exchange for a 30-hour round trip to McLaren's HQ in Woking to do a full day of testing in the simulator.

“The great thing is our car is improving all the time, but I am still not 100 per cent happy with the balance of the car. There are a few issues I need to solve, but there is no team like this team for solving issues. It's a long way back, but they wouldn't be sending me unless there were a few things to test,” said Button in an interview with The Star, hinting that this was more of a team decision rather than his own.

Later today, once the simulation test will have been over, Button is expected to finally reunite with his girlfriend in Japan, after which he is due to take the next flight to Shanghai for next weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. Hamilton will take over in the simulator on Wednesday.

“Thirty hours travel for one day, but it will be worth it hopefully,” admitted Button.

Following the upcoming Chinese GP in Shanghai, scheduled to take place between April 16-18, the F1 caravan will head to its first 3-week break this season, prior to moving to the old continent for the race in Catalunya.