Two optimistic

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are optimistic that McLaren will be even more competitive in 2011 as the 2008 and 2009 champion drivers go in search of further Formula One glory

Two optimistic

Mclaren duo Hamilton, Button insist new car is good enough to win 2011 F1 Title

British Formula One drivers of the McLaren racing team Lewis Hamilton

Jenson Buttonu00a0at the unveiling of the new new McLaren Mercedes
MP4-26 car in Berlin yesterday. Pic/AFP

The British duo were at the unveiling of the new McLaren MP4-26 car at Potsdamer Platz in central Berlin yesterday, with both excited at the prospect of improving on an encouraging first year in tandem in 2010.
Hamilton was in contention for the F1 title until the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi but ultimately finished fourth, 16 points behind eventual winner Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing.

Button, who won the drivers' title in 2009 with Brawn, was fifth in his debut season with McLaren, who finished in second behind Red Bull in the contructors' championship. Button said: "I've had some fun years in Formula One -- some good, some bad, and I think the competitiveness now is the best it ever has been.

"You have five world champions on the grid but also other drivers, who have been close in the past, like Mark Webber or Felipe Massa.

"There is a lot of competition and I hope it's a good fight but not too good -- hopefully we can have a few tenths on everyone."

Hamilton added: "We should have very good season. We are pushing as hard as we can to more than we were last season. I do feel optimistic."

The launch of the MP4-26 was delayed until after the first Formula One tests of the season in Valencia last week, with an interim car used in Spain instead.

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