Jenson Button rues bad luck at British GP after early qualifying exit

Wing damage leaves Button unable to make Q2 at home race

By Allan Valente

Jenson Button admits it has been an unlucky weekend for him so far at the British Grand Prix following his elimination after the opening qualifying session at Silverstone.

The McLaren driver was four tenths slower than team-mate Fernando Alonso on his sole flying lap of Q1, with a rear wing end plate becoming detached during that run, meaning he was unable to go out and secure a second flying lap.

Replays also suggested Kevin Magnussen went all four wheels off the track at Stowe but, with Button back in his car preparing for Q2 just in case, officials decided to take no action.

"It doesn't seem very lucky this weekend for me. It has been pretty tricky with issues all weekend," Button told Sky Sports F1.

"It was all OK in the first sector and then the rear wing became detached going through turn eight so it just slowly deteriorated from there with the rear end of the car. We lost a lot of downforce and that was it really.

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"We tried to fix it to go out again but there wasn't enough time."

Button said it was pointless to appeal if replays did show Magnussen had gone wide. The Briton is now set to start Sunday's race from 17th.

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"It doesn't matter now," he said. "It was either challenge for Q3 or be where we are now but one place doesn't really make any difference does it?

"It is a shame they can't do something before Q2 starts but as soon as Q2 starts, it is game over for us which is a shame."

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