Button apologizes for pit-stop error
Monday 11th July 2011
McLaren ace Jenson Button has issued an apology after another British Grand Prix to forget.
The Briton had looked on course for a podium finish when he came in for his third and final pit stop 12 laps from the finish.
However within yards of leaving his pit box, Button was forced to pull over as the right-front wheel had worked loose.
A simple case of human error had seen the mechanic working on the change of that tyre lose the wheelnut, and in picking up the spare wheel-gun, triggered the front-jack man into lowering the car, which in turn led to the lollipop man allowing Button to leave.
The mix-up, though, means Button has now never finished on the podium in 12 attempts at his home race.
"We all make mistakes, and you always hope they won't happen, but this is even more disappointing as it's in front of my home crowd," said Button.
"I was really enjoying the race, I had a couple of good battles out there, and the pace was very good. It was all looking pretty sweet.
"When you're that high up and your pace is good, there's always the chance of a podium, so what happened is a pity because it could have been a great race.
"I'm just sorry we couldn't do better because there was definitely a podium on the cards.
"I don't think we could have fought with (race winner) Fernando (Alonso), but with the Red Bulls it could have been interesting.
"So sorry to the fans, I wish we could have done more. It seems that way at the British Grand Prix for me over the last few years.
"But I'll come back next year, I'll hopefully have a strong car and we won't make any mistakes."
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh refused to chastise the member of the pit crew who was naturally left beating himself up over his mistake.
"On this occasion it was a case of human error in the heat of the moment," said Whitmarsh.
"We mustn't be too hard on individuals. I know he's being very hard on himself right now."
Whitmarsh insisted he was not considering his own position despite the problems which affected his drivers.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "I am confident I will stay in my job. I answer to the board - not just (group chairman) Ron (Dennis) - and they seem happy with the job I am doing - certainly for now.
"But for sure it was not one of the best grands prix I have ever had. We don't want to let the fans down and we did."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment