Button worried about pitlane entry
Jenson Button has expressed concerns in Korea that the pitlane entry's position at the end of the final high-speed corner could cause problems during Sunday's inaugural Grand Prix
Button praised the layout of the new Korean International Circuit after posting the fifth fastest time in an error-strewn free practice, during which an overheated engine cost him nearly 30 minutes of track time.
The world champion was quick to explain, however, that applying the pitlane speed limiter so close to the final corner was potentially hazardous.
"I think it's a good layout. They've done a fabulous job with the place," he said. "The only worry I have is the pit entry, which I think is a bit dangerous.
"I haven't been behind a car yet when he's pitted, but it's a corner when you're at full speed - 250km/h on the exit - and if someone goes in the pits, they have to lift quite heavily. It's a little bit scary!
"It's a horrible position to be in because - what can you do? You're not going to stay out for another lap! It's a tough one and I don't really know what we can do about it, but we'll discuss it and hopefully find a way around the issue."
When asked if the opposite end of the pitlane posed a similar problem, the McLaren driver saw no reason for concern.
"The pit exit's not so bad," he continued. "You're going at slower speeds. You can see - when you're going down the pit lane - the cars on the circuit, if you've set your mirrors correctly. Maybe it should be off the circuit all the way through the corner and then connect later, but that's not a safety issue."
Button's comments come shortly after the second session was briefly red-flagged following an incident by Hispania Racing's Sakon Yamamoto at Turn 16.
Button's team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, explained that the final complex of turns could prove tricky come race day.
"I think they've done a great job with the circuit here, with the facilities," the 2008 champion said. "The army was even here trying to help finish all the grandstands!
"There's not a lot of run-off area in some places, though, especially the last corner. If anybody has any problems there... it will be interesting!
"But the corner before that - turn 16 - the edge of the kerb coming onto the circuit is over an inch step, so people have been bouncing over it. I've just been avoiding it."
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