Brawn Mercedes has made quite an impact in the first three Grand Prix of the new season. Heading to Bahrain this weekend the Brackley-based team has scored 36 points and leads the constructors' championship. Jenson Button meanwhile has secured two wins and a third position to lead the drivers' standings from team-mate Rubens Barrichello.For the team, it has been a frantic start to the season following limited testing during the off-season and then four Grand Prix over a five week period.
"It has been an intense and demanding start to the season for the Brawn GP team," Team Principal Ross Brawn confirmed. "Australia, Malaysia and China produced some fantastic racing and I am very pleased with how the team responded to the challenges that we have faced. This was particularly the case in China last weekend where the team and the drivers did an excellent job. Although we were not able to challenge for the victory in the dramatic and unexpectedly wet conditions, we consolidated our championship position with two strong points-scoring results."
"Looking ahead to the fourth race on the season in Bahrain this weekend, we are expecting a dry weekend which will allow us to really put the BGP 001 through its paces and assess our performance," he continued. "The track characteristics of the Bahrain International Circuit should suit our car and we do not expect any concerns from the high ambient and track temperatures."
Chasing his third win of the season, Button is looking forward to the next event.
"Bahrain is always one of my favourite races on the calendar as I love the country and the circuit has some great fast flowing sections which really suit my driving style and allow you to push the car to its limits," he said. "It's a good circuit for overtaking, particularly at turn one after the long straight where you brake very hard from over 300kph in seventh gear down to first gear. People tend to brake surprisingly early here so you can make up crucial ground if you are brave. Confidence under braking is the key to a quick lap. You have to believe in the car's performance and have full confidence that you can stop effectively."
Team-mate Barrichello explains that the circuit is not particularly a quick track but is interesting from the drivers' perspective. "From a technical point of view, braking and traction are crucial and you need good straight-line speed to maximise the long straights so the strength of our Mercedes-Benz engine will prove a real advantage here," the Brazilian veteran explained. "It can turn very windy, particularly in the afternoon, which causes sand to be blown onto the track affecting the grip levels. This can be a particular challenge in qualifying when everyone is trying to be out on track at the last minute when the circuit is cleanest. The last two race weekends have turned out to be really eventful with the weather affecting the outcome in Malaysia and China but hopefully we can expect a dry race here in Bahrain this weekend."
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