Button eyes Schumacher longevity
Thursday 25th August 2011
Jenson Button has not ruled out the prospect of equalling the feat Michael Schumacher will chalk up at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.
Schumacher celebrates the 20th anniversary of his Formula One debut which took place on August 25, 1991, at the Spa circuit.
Although those 20 years have included three seasons in retirement, it is nevertheless a remarkable achievement by the 42-year-old to still be competing at the highest level of motorsport.
Sunday's race will be Schumacher's 280th, placing him a comfortable second on the all-time list behind Rubens Barrichello.
At the last race in Hungary, prior to the summer break, 31-year-old Button ushered in his own milestone of 200 races, doing so in style by taking the chequered flag.
To be racing 20 years, however, is a different matter, as Button said: "This is my 12th year in the sport, but 20 years...to be at the top of his game for that long is very impressive.
"For a driver, with the stresses and pressures that are on you, 20 years is a long time in the sport for anyone.
"Looking at it I'm only eight years behind. I can't see myself racing when I'm in my 40s, but there is always a possibility."
McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton started out in F1 at the same age as Schumacher - 21, but laughed off suggestions he will be around in another 15 years' time when he turns 40.
Hailing Schumacher's longevity, however, Hamilton said: "It is a great achievement for Michael. I think it is quite cool he is still here, so good on him."
Hamilton and Schumacher, however, share a love for the Spa circuit, hailed by many as the world's best given the 4.3-mile journey that unfolds through the Ardennes forest.
What Hamilton would give for a repeat of last year's win as he bids to close the 88-point gap to championship leader Sebastian Vettel, with eight grands prix remaining.
Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton said: "After nearly a month out of the cockpit, I think every driver on the grid is really looking forward to racing on a track like Spa, which is easily one of the greatest circuits in the world.
"Spa's always been one of my favourite tracks. It's a place where you really feel on the limit, which is pretty awesome in a Formula One car.
"I'm already looking forward to my first flying lap on Friday, and corners like Eau Rouge, Pouhon and Blanchimont that are fantastic, just because they're so fast.
"Pouhon, in particular, is incredible, because you're really at the limit of the grip level.
"You're gently playing with the throttle and trying not to scrub off too much speed with the steering. Getting it right is an amazing feeling."
As McLaren have won three of the last five races, and the last two in Germany and Hungary especially, they arguably start favourite, in particular if the conditions are variable, as is often the case at Spa.
"We go into the race weekend in a pretty good place as we've won the last two grands prix and the car feels strong," added Hamilton.
"We've worked hard to improve the set-up, so it's really inspiring confidence at the moment, which means you can push it that little bit further, particularly in qualifying.
"Of course, the weekend is likely to be affected by the weather, which is always somewhat unpredictable at Spa.
"I'd prefer a dry race, but to be honest, I'll take any track condition. I just can't wait to get back out in my car."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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