Jenson Button says he is relishing the challenge of the new Baku circuit ahead of the inaugural race this weekend.
Azerbaijan is the newest venue on the Formula One calendar as it prepares to host the European Grand Prix.
The street circuit has a mix of extremely tight bends and straights through the centre of the city and includes a long pit-straight that will test the car’s straight-line speed.
Baku will be the 29th race circuit Button has driven on in his 16-year F1 career, and the 2009 world champion is looking forward to getting out on track.
“After a disappointing end to what was a fairly positive weekend in Canada until I had to retire the car, I’m already relishing the prospect of the next race – and at a new track, too,” Button said.
“From what I’ve seen of it, the Baku City Circuit looks pretty cool – especially as the city centre has so much history attached to it, yet we’ll be roaring over the cobbles there at over 300km/h (186mph) in the middle of the city walls.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how they’ve transformed the area to accommodate a Grand Prix race.
“I’ve heard good things from Fernando about the layout too, with some really exciting narrow sections mixed in with wider areas that should be promising for overtaking.”
Button feels a new circuit always provides the chance for the field to close up with no one having driven the circuit.
After an early exit from the Canadian Grand Prix, the British driver hopes McLaren can produce an immediate response in Baku.
“It’s imperative we bounce back quickly from the disappointment of Canada and the fact we go to a completely new Grand Prix means the focus will rapidly shift from one to the other – there’s definitely a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement for the next race.
“We’re working hard to keep improving race to race and despite the blip in Canada, hopefully we can continue seeing gains – however small – in the next few crazy weeks of back-to-back Grands Prix.”
