McLaren-Mercedes
Jenson Button is sure that McLaren will fare better in Monaco as they arrive at the circuit on the back of a string of disappointing races.
Button finished the season-opening race in third place but McLaren has failed to score a single point since March due to reliability issues and a lack of downforce.
But the Brit, who won in Monaco five years ago, believes that the layout of track should play to the characteristics of the MP4-29.
"More than any other 2014 race, I think this event will show us the most pronounced difference between ‘old F1’ and the new formula we have," he said. "There’s far less of an aerodynamic influence here – it’s just about bolting as much to the car as possible in a bid to find grip – so I think the engine’s influence will be greater.
"So, with less significance placed on aerodynamics, I hope we can enjoy a better race than our two previous outings in China and Spain. Monaco is such a special case – in every respect – I just hope we can string together a good weekend: we’ll need to get the absolute maximum from the car in qualifying and on the first lap to be in with a chance to put up a fair showing."
Team-mate Kevin Magnussen says that last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix was a boost for him, despite a lowly finish, and has vowed to attack in Monte Carlo.
"It’s strange to come away from a grand prix having finished 12th and feel satisfied with my performance," he said. . But the Barcelona weekend taught me quite a lot about managing and setting my expectations, and, more importantly, it gave me the best opportunity so far this year to really get to grips with the MP4-29. And, had I not had that qualifying problem, I’m certain I’d have scored points.
"My [World Series] race in Monaco last year was a bit of a missed opportunity – I didn’t hook it all together and ended up finishing only fourth – so, more than anything, I want to have a clean and constructive race this weekend. We don’t have the pace in the car to challenge at the front, but, wherever I am, I’m determined to make a fight of it."
