Can Button and Webber Score podiums this year

[oziengineer]

I think that Jenson can get a podium this year, his car seems to be very quick if testing is anything to go by. Webber, on the other hand, may struggle. He could probably get a fifth or a forth, but I don't think he'll get on the podium.

[climb]

Getting the podium or 4th/5th place often depends on luck: Thus I think that under the right circumstances both can get a 3rd place.

[DriverT]

I agree, if Webber gets a bit of luck anything is possible. But only Button's car is quick enough.

[Super Tourer]

The BAR certainly looks on the pace to pick up a podium, and JB could get some good grid positions.

But, for a team used to running mid-grid, converting a good starting position into a good race result is not all that easy. The whole teams needs to perform for the entire race, so that means making the right strategy calls, perfect pitstops and the car itself being sympathetic on the tyres over each section of the race.

Last year Webber was able to slingshot the Jaguar into good grid slots, but Jaguar weren't able to convert that into race pace, with the car fading as the laps went by.

[MacMan]

it would be great if they did but I doubt it, fingers crossed for Webber though

[Led ZeppF1]

Originally posted by DriverT
I agree, if Webber gets a bit of luck anything is possible. But only Button's car is quick enough.

Agree. Even, if Webber gets a bit of lack like Fisi in Brasil last year, he can win.

Button-BAR Honda? Maybe have the pace to gets podium. But, maybe just like Toyota last year. Impresive in pre season testing, but lack of pace in race.

[bosch!]

Button has to get a podium this year if he is to be considered a WDC candidate. He is no longer an aprentice and the BAR is not cack this year either. I think that he will.

Webber may have more trouble with the Jag, but he wont be under as much pressure to perform as JB. If he gets a podium this year it will probably be luck.

[BertMk2]

For either of them to get on the podium they've got to hope that one of the Ferraris or Williams fails to finish and then they've still got to beat the McLarens and Renaults (not forgetting their teammates as well ). It's possible but it certainly won't be a regular occurence, we'll see how genuine the BAR's pace is once they hit the track in Melbourne.

[BootsOntheSide]

As Bert says, it looks unlikely that BAR will be fast enough to beat Williams in any situation, and unless Bridgestone have botched it again they can't outpace the Ferraris either.

Button certainly has mnore chance than Webber, who has yet to convert his strong grid positions into impressive race results. My tip is for 2 or 3 Button podiums but none for Webber - although there is always a fluke element to scoring any result which is above your normal pace.

Someone on another forum mused that it's strange that we praise Webber for the grid spots, such as in Hungary where he held up a train of cars before sliding to 7th, but always criticise Trulli for dropping back, such as at Silverstone where getting a Renault on the front row was a feat in itself.

[BertMk2]

Originally posted by BootsOntheSide
Someone on another forum mused that it's strange that we praise Webber for the grid spots, such as in Hungary where he held up a train of cars before sliding to 7th, but always criticise Trulli for dropping back, such as at Silverstone where getting a Renault on the front row was a feat in itself.

I think part of that is the perception that Webber is let down in races by the car (it eats it's rear tyres) and that is the reason he drops back. Trulli however is viewed as someone with a good car that doesn't have the mental toughness to resist pressure from other drivers.

[f1manoz]

Button should score a couple of podiums if the testing pace BAR have shown translates into what happens during grand prix weekends.

Webber will get one through luck and sheer persistence. IMO the Jaguar isn't/won't be capable of podiums.

[Smokey 6 litre]

Button certainly has the car if testing form is beieved, i think Webber will have difficulties but a race like Brazil and even Minardi could get podiums.

[Raglanparade]

If there is a big crash at the start and the likes of Webber or Button avoid it, then they are looking in line to get a poduim. i think that Toyota, Renualt, McLaren, William and Ferrari will all be better then BAR and Jag, so they have to break into the top 10 before they can get a podium.

[Mr V]

I don't think we need to see a pile up Jason, we just need some dodgy weather and good pit work, as we did in USA 03

Just hope the engines keep it together

[MRJUCY]

If everyone finished sadly no but you never know when there will be a start line pile up so anything can happen.

[Rennen]

Button has to get a podium...Autosport can't keep up the hype without it!...can they?

[Kicking-back]

Button will, Webber won't.

[jetsetter]

It is possible with a bit of luck & good strategy as we saw Webber go out of the U.S. G.P. while leading & then later in the race Button retire whilst holding down second so anything is possible.

[GP Racer]

You can sense the new attitude from Button and BAR. They are quite sure that they can score a couple of podiums this season, and not through bad weather and accidents, but with good race strategy and good driving. They are ready for prime time.

Sorry to say that I believe Webber will struggle with a disorganised team, and a mid-field car. Jaguar doesn't look like they've given Webber the right tools to get to the podium with.

[grumpy1]

Why is it that everyone remembers Webber leading in the US.He also lead in Brazil before he modified the car slightly.Anyway this year will come down to whos motor will handle 120 laps the better.Seeing as Honda have only covered this distance twice and all there really fast times have been when the car is light Button Maybe a podium.
Jag on the other hand have covered race weekend distance several times in both cars and actually done 4 race simulations Webber has a better than average chance of a podium.Ask the same question after the AGP when we finally see all the cars at the same location without any funny business.

The Grumpy1

[gttouring]

theres a fair share for both, Webber is brilliant really ,and gets smaggered by his off beat Pussycat-shame you'd think- can they get traction control right not eat rears, can they get a bit more power a Jag podium would be great, and webber is the only man in a jag capable at the moment, Button has speed and a quicker car, he gets close, lets hope it doesn't go boom.

[neilap]

Grumpy, are you sure about BAR only completing a race distance twice? If memory serves me correctly they were the first team to even do so. Are you saying they only managed this one more time?

Anyway, Button seems confident with the pace of the car. People say they have been running light all this time. We will see how true that is. As for Webber being fast last year in qualifying, I would think soft tires could explain that story.

I say Button is more likely than Webber. In testing Maclaren and Ferrari have not seemed special at any time. Renault (Alonso) has admitted to having a weak motor. Its only Williams that seem to be top notch at this point. With the turmoil to take place within the team I think they could be their own worse enemy.

I believe BAR's pace is real. However, they may be the only team that has really shown its hand. The others could be playing games in order to catch their opponients off guard.

Testing times do mean something. Someone said they think Toyota will be ahead of BAR!! Well they have been pretty poor in testing and I am willing to bet they will be pretty poor in the first race too, even with "the best motor in F1".

[MichaelH]

Button yes, Webber not a hope in hell.

[Space Hopper]

I think jenson will get 2 podiums this season
1 from skill
1 from luck
And webber will get 1 from luck!

[grumpy1]

neilap the BAR test info I gave is correct.Honda have worked hard on the problem from what I am told and BAR are looking at 3 stopping all races.With the new speed limit in the pits they could get away with it.Jag on the other hand worded on reliability before speed.They now have reliability and speed is improving.More speed will be eviddent at the AGP.I think that Button will get a podium,and he deserves it after last year,but it will be mid season when Honda sort the engine out.

The Grumpy1