Jenson Button says beating Mark Webber would be a big achievement

With Button locked in a tight battle for runners-up spot behind Sebastian Vettel, the McLaren driver says he will get a particular boost if he can finish the year ahead of a title-winning Red Bull Racing car.

Speaking about the importance of finishing second in the drivers' championship, Button said: "It is not just to finish in front of Lewis, it is to finish in front of world champions, to finish in front of a guy who has been there at the top like Lewis and Fernando [Alonso].

"And Mark - he is probably the one more than Lewis and Fernando because he is the same car that has won the world championship four races ago. He is the guy to really beat.

"Even though I have a good amount of points on him I still think it is going to be tricky over the next few races, but I am looking forward to it. And to finish second in front of a Red Bull would be a good end to a positive season."

As well as the desire to beat Webber in the drivers' standings, Button believes that a good run of results - and especially victories - will be vital for lifting spirits at McLaren.

When asked by AUTOSPORT whether wins now or development improvements for 2012 are most important, Button said: "I think both are equally important to the factory as a whole.

"We obviously want to develop the car for next season, as next year is when we are hopefully going to fight for the championship. But I think us ending with some good results is going to make a big difference to the actual workforce back at base.

"Getting a couple of victories can make a big difference. Walking into work with a rocket red top on Monday morning, I think that will give them a good boost to develop the car for 2012."