Button eyes defining weekend

Jenson Button believes this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix could prove to be a defining moment as to who becomes Formula One world champion this season.

In particular, for McLaren duo Button and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the night race is an acid test of their title credentials.

McLaren's downfall this season has been low-speed, high-downforce circuits such as the tight, twisty Marina Bay track that includes 23 corners.

Similar venues such as Monaco and the Hungaroring have been unhappy hunting grounds for the team this season, collecting a mere 10 and four points respectively.

Reigning world champion Button, however, is hopeful McLaren have made up considerable ground since they were trounced by Red Bull in Budapest, not least courtesy of the FIA.

"The Singapore Grand Prix will be a very interesting weekend because I think it will give us a clearer idea of the destiny of the world championship," said Button.

"The last time we were at a low-speed, high-downforce track was in Hungary back at the start of August and our car wasn't particularly competitive there.

"Since then we maybe haven't had a properly representative view of the top teams' relative pace because we've just visited two high-speed circuits (Spa and Monza).

"But equally a lot has changed since that race in Budapest, not least some quite hefty revisions to the rulebook regarding bodywork flexibility.

"Additionally there has been a lot of work by the engineers at the MTC (McLaren Technology Centre) to ensure our car is now better suited to slower circuits.

"So Singapore will be interesting for all of us. We'll not only get an idea of the speed of the Ferrari and Red Bull, but we'll get to see for the first time whether all our efforts over the past two months have helped put us back in the ballpark at high-downforce tracks."

With the top five drivers covered by 24 points, with Hamilton and Button five and 22 adrift respectively of championship leader Mark Webber, the quintet know there is no room for error.

Hamilton especially knows he cannot afford another gung-ho moment as in the Italian Grand Prix 10 days ago when he went for a gap that did not exist and crashed out on the first lap.

"I've already drawn a line under Monza and learnt from the experience," said Hamilton.

"While it was extremely disappointing, those things are sometimes what you need to sharpen your mind and raise your game and motivation at an extremely crucial time in the season."

Hamilton at least has last year's experience of winning at Singapore to fall back on, although he appreciates much has changed since then.

"Last year was one of the most satisfying victories of my Formula One career," added Hamilton.

"The whole team pushed for that result right from the start of the weekend, we overcame a number of problems, and we never gave up until it was in the bag. Crossing the line was a brilliant feeling.

"It's difficult to say accurately how competitive we'll be in Singapore on this occasion.

"The engineers are positive we've made some good progress, so I'm looking forward to getting out on track and sampling the changes for real.

"I think we head into the weekend with renewed confidence following some positive tests and some developments in the wind tunnel.

"The race should give us a clearer indication of exactly where we stand as the championship closes down over the next five races."