McLaren Quicker than BAR, Says Button

Jenson Button claimed on Thursday that his BAR-Honda team have fallen behind rivals McLaren in recent races - and tipped his rivals to fight Ferrari for victory in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

World Champion Michael Schumacher said British driver Button was his main threat earlier this season. But McLaren have moved ahead quickly since the introduction of a modified MP4-19B car in France in July and Finn Kimi Raikkonen won the Belgian Grand Prix 10 days ago.

"It's a bit more difficult for us at the moment - for me the McLaren is quicker and they are doing a slightly better job," said Button. "If they perform like they did at Spa it will be very difficult.

"I think that Ferrari have the better car but McLaren will be quick and Renault will be there and I think it's sure to be close. I don't think Ferrari will have a huge advantage.

"The times were very close in testing, that's good to see. It should be an exciting race. We are reasonably confident, hopefully we will be strong but we won't get too excited yet."

BAR are involved in a fierce battle with Renault and McLaren for second place in the Constructors' Championship behind Ferrari. But even though he said he is concerned about McLaren's upturn in form, Button claimed his BAR team could do enough to close the eight-point gap to second-placed Renault in Italy.

"Consistency is the key to being quick here," said Button. "Being quick in qualifying is important but consistency is the big thing. We've had real improvements in the last couple of races, not just half a tenth, so that is good.

"All the time Honda are working on the engine and aerodynamically the car is better - it's just better to drive."