Stranded drivers not expecting exciting race
Jun.23 (GMM) Drivers stranded down the Valencia grid are not expecting to scythe through the field on Sunday.
Jenson Button qualified ninth and admitted he doubts he will fare much better in the race.
Told by an optimistic reporter at Valencia that 'lots can happen' over 57 long laps on Sunday, the Briton answered: "Not really, we're in Valencia. You can't overtake round here.
"Not a lot happens here in a race. I don't think it will be the most exciting one."
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is on pole, which is exactly where he wants to be, having travelled to the Spanish port city predicting that overtaking is possible on the streets of Valencia "only with some risk".
In 2010, Vettel's teammate Mark Webber was lucky to escape unhurt after flipping over backwards in a misunderstanding with backmarker Heikki Kovalainen.
And the Australian will have to spend Sunday among the backmarkers due to qualifying a dismal 19th with KERS and brake issues.
Team consultant Dr Helmut Marko admitted it is unlikely Webber will carve through the field.
"In recent years there were hardly any overtaking moves here, so for Mark's sake I hope it's better this time," he told Austrian broadcaster ORF.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.- The Motorsport.com Team
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Jenson Button names key figure behind Kimi Antonelli's stunning Mercedes form
Jenson Button hails Ross Brawn as Honda's "saviour" after 2007 F1 "disaster"
Jenson Button opens up on mental toll of a Formula 1 career
George Russell explains mindset after tough start to 2026 F1 campaign
Toto Wolff expecting strong Ferrari challenge for 'rest of F1 2026'
How “stressed” Kimi Antonelli beat his nerves – and Charles Leclerc – in British GP qualifying
Latest news
Pato O'Ward 'no longer cares' about chasing a career in Formula 1
The race to the NASCAR Chase is on: Who are the favorites?
NASCAR official says not enough evidence to penalize Shane Van Gisbergen at Chicagoland
Chase Elliott to make rare NASCAR Truck start at North Wilkesboro
Feature
Why Fred Vasseur's steady hand is exactly what fervent Ferrari needs right now
How F1's current aerodynamic battlegrounds are shaping up - and what's next in 2027
How Silverstone exposed Formula 1's dire need for speed
Charles Leclerc lacked luck until Silverstone; fortune saved him from Kimi Antonelli's charge
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.

Top Comments