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Can McLaren come out the blocks fighting?

03 Feb 2012

Jenson Button has told motor insurance policyholders that McLaren needs to make a strong start in order to be in contention in Formula One this season.

The 2009 World Champion has witnessed his team lag behind the might of Red Bull over the past two campaigns, finishing 153 points behind their rivals in 2011.

During that season, McLaren were unable to claim a victory until Lewis Hamilton passed the chequered flag in first position in the third Grand Prix in China.

It was two months until the outfit were back at the top of the winner's podium, this time with Button winning the Canadian Grand Prix.

Looking towards the start of the 2012 campaign, Button acknowledged to Sky Sports News: "Testing is now very important. We've got to come out of the box and be strong."

The Brit was speaking following the launch of McLaren's new car, the MP4-27, which features a lower chassis design than past efforts and an enhanced cooling system.

Posted by Judith Stevenson