F1 World Champion Jenson Button says he just can’t wait to get in his new McLaren, the MP4-25.

Button, who will race alongside 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton after leaving title-winning constructor Brawn and the end of last season said:

I’ll be starting to work with my engineers, who are a fantastic bunch of guys.
But, honestly, I really cannot wait to get out to Valencia and get my first run in the MP4-25 – I think that’s when it will finally sink in that I’m a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.

“There are a lot of new faces to remember and lots of names to learn – and
that’s all got to be done alongside the engineering and limited testing we have ahead of the 2010 season. But I’m loving every minute of it – the atmosphere within the team feels fantastic, and I’ve already started to feel at home here. I can’t wait to get out in the fantastic new car the team has built for me.

“It’s only natural that there will be a lot of factory-based work for the next few weeks. I’ll be starting to work with my engineers, who are a fantastic bunch of guys.

“But, honestly, I really cannot wait to get out to Valencia and get my first run in the MP4-25 – I think that’s when it will finally sink in that I’m a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.”

Button faces a stern test next year, as Hamilton has been ingrained in the McLaren setup for over a decade, and Jenson will not be able to test the new McLaren car until February, later than his team-mate.

However some believe the scrapping of refuelling could play into Jenson’s hands, as Button is renowned for his smooth style of driving that will help him look after his tyres.

Hamilton, on the other hand, is notoriously hard on tyres, and may have to adapt his style.

Former Super Aguri driver and Honda test driver Anthony Davidson believes Button has got what it takes to take the fight to Hamilton. Speaking on Crash.net Radio, he said:

“He can cope with Lewis. It’s whether he can get to grips with the car with only six tests under his belt before Bahrain. That’s the real issue, and whether the car suits his style. We’ve all seen he’s got quite a narrow window of optimum performance in his style, and if the car suits that style he’ll be a really serious threat to Lewis and will probably be able to match him in race trim. I think he’s going to do an extremely good job and won’t get demoralised by it at all.

“One of Jenson’s biggest strengths is race pace, looking after the tyres – and that’s going to be paramount next year. It won’t be a complete walkover unless he just doesn’t get on with the car, like we’ve seen with Fisichella in the Ferrari, for instance.

“You know the guy’s good, but it just didn’t work for him in the car – and if Jenson finds himself in that situation with McLaren, then he’ll look worse than he really is.

“I know the true skill and the passion that Jenson’s got behind the wheel, and he deserves to be quick as he proved this year – but when the car doesn’t suit his style, he struggles sometimes.”

Only time will tell if Button’s got enough to take on Hamilton – it should be interesting.

We can’t wait either, Jenson!