Jenson Button: McLaren behind Red Bull and Ferrari at the moment

Jenson Button thinks that when the season kicks off in Australia, in two weeks time, McLaren won’t be able to match the pace of teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari. However the British driver thinks that some good progress has been made since the last test.

At the end of the first day of testing in Barcelona, Button told the reporters "I would be surprised if we can really match the Red Bull and the Ferrari when we get to Melbourne. I think that is a big ask considering the mileage that we have compared to them, and the pace in the last tests compared to them. I think that is going to be tricky. But never say never. I am quite impressed with the step that we have made with the car.”

However, Button still thinks progress hasn’t been enough and is expecting to see how close McLaren can get to its rivals after this week’s testing in Barcelona. The 2009 world champion has admitted that the testing programme hasn’t gone as the team predicted and the lack of laps has been holding back the progress of the MP4-26.

"It hasn't been quite the best start to the year in terms of testing, in terms of mileage, and in terms of reliability, and also pace," he said. "But I think we have made some good progress. I would not say we have the quickest car, but still there is a long way to go. But I am happy with what we have achieved today.”

"As I said, there is still more work needed to be as quick as Red Bull, Ferrari and maybe another one or two teams, but we are moving forward - and that is a good feeling. The guys have done a great job of really working on the car's performance and the reliability, so I have to say a big well done to them,” added Button.

For Button the first day of testing at Barcelona was a success and although the car is not perfect and ready for the first race, there are reasons to be happy.