Pass Masters

[markfarrell9572]

After watching yesterday's race and the way he cut through most of the field, is Jenson Button the best at the moment at wheel to wheel combat?  He just seems to be able to make his move, make it stick and do it so cleanly and effortlessly?

I've always been a fan of Jenson right from F3 but I don't remember, prior to Brazil 09, him being so good at getting by other drivers.

[Scott]

Gotta give some credit as well to Schumi after watching that start vid on the other thread.  I think Webber's go on Alonso was one of the best passes of the race (that I've seen so far...sorry, I've been scouring for highlights).

Button's drive was phenomenal, but from what bits I've seen, he didn't have to pull off anything spectacular to get by most of those he passed.

[markfarrell9572]

I agree that Schumacher was amazing, as was Mark's pass on Fernando.  I agree fully that Jenson didn't seem to pull of any spectacular moves, but thats kind of my point, with the exception of his "pass" on Alonso in Canada, Jenson seems to be able to pull off a lot of clean moves without needing to resort to wheel banging or squeezing opponents.  He just seems to have something at the moment that makes it look easy.

[David]

If Jenson has the right car and is the right frame of mind there isn't many in the field drive so fast so well IMO.

[John S]

Button's drive was phenomenal, but from what bits I've seen, he didn't have to pull off anything spectacular to get by most of those he passed.

For me Button's passes were impeccable, he was not restricted to just one passing place or move and left Brundle and Coulthard looking amateurish in their commentary, they consistently failed to read his build up work and choice of passing places.

Jens carefully weighed up his victims, probed for weakness and often had to make several attempts on his opponents before making passes that were clean and decisive but also often on the limit. Button has always been better in a race than in quali, it's why he's never had a problem staying on the grid since he started all those years ago.   

If by spectacular you mean daredevil or over the limit then I agree Button's overtaking may not fit the bill, however if you mean brilliant timing, execution and masterful car control then Jenson made more spectacular moves than anyone.

I do concede though that Marks pass on Alonso thru Eau Rouge was brave, looked spectacular as well in the daredevil sense, but could easily have ended in tears.

Mark's move quite rightly is sure to join the overtaking 'Hall of Fame', just a shame that individual daring moves rarely add up to a championship.

       

 

[Jericoke]

For me Button's passes were impeccable, he was not restricted to just one passing place or move and left Brundle and Coulthard looking amateurish in their commentary, they consistently failed to read his build up work and choice of passing places.

 

I had the distinct impression that Brundle had spent too much time enjoying one of the hospitality suites.  He just didn't seem to be up to calling the race, or qualifying.

The job is much tougher this season than in the past, much more going on on track and in the pits.

[lkjohnson1950]

Button's one of my favorites. Smooth and fast like Clark and Stewart. Too bad he never really found a Chapman or Tyrrell to give him the cars he needed.

[Dare]

Button made a lot of mistakes[all his own]when he
entered f1!!!The playboy image,the Williams affair,
wasted years at BAR and Honda,Flav dropping him like
a hot tamale.Maybe Brawn was his Chapman and Terrel
rolled into one.

Brawn along with a little growing up allowed Button to
show what he had,allowing him to find a home at Mclaren

[lkjohnson1950]

True. I doubt he will win a championship at McLaren. I believe Louis is de facto #1 whether they admit it or not.

[Alianora La Canta]

I do find myself getting frustrated at the commentators these days. It's almost like I'm having to do the commentry for them

[markfarrell9572]

I think how he dealt with Schumacher and Alonso yesterday confirms my point about Jenson

[cosworth151]

Button did run a great race yesterday. IMO he has the edge of the McLaren pair at this time. I do wonder if he might of had a bit harder time with Schumacher if Schumi hadn't already received a warning from Brawn that the stewards were watching his blocking.