Fry Says Break has Helped BAR

Jenson Button and teammate Takuma Sato were forced to sit on the sidelines for the last two races after seeing their disappointing early season form turned around only for them to be temporarily thrown out.

But they will be back on the grid at the Nurburgring this weekend and Fry said: "Being away from racing for two races should not be a problem - in fact it should be completely the opposite.

"The guys have had a bit more time to relax so we are in good shape. We go to every race with the clear view that we can take a podium position, and this weekend will definitely be the same.

"Jenson is incredibly positive and the performance of the car is really good. Clearly starting first in qualifying will make things a bit difficult but we are confident the car is very quick and we'll do the best we can.

"The cars and the drivers are quick enough to get a podium. It doesn't matter what race we are in or what place on the grid we are I think we still have a belief that a podium is possible.

"Jenson and Taku are incredibly positive about the progress the cars have made and are hugely optimistic for this weekend. Overall we expect our return will be very positive."

Button was behind the microphone in the commentary booth for British network ITV last weekend, but the Monaco resident admitted he was frustrated not to be out on track racing in what is one of his home races.

Button and Sato are both still to score a point this year and they will be hampered by the change to single session qualifying which was voted through at the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend.

The duo will be the first drivers out in the session, when the track is at its most difficult, but Fry admitted that while the team will suffer in the short-term it could benefit over the remaining 13 races.

"Our view was that yes, it hurts us at the Nurburgring, however it rewards good performance," said Fry. "We had a think about what it would be like over the 13 races that are left before we decided.

"Our view was that on balance it would help us more than it would hinder us. It's better for the sport. To have one qualifying session rather than two is clearly preferable so we were happy to vote in favour."