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Jenson Button hoping to log into Lewis Hamilton"s winning formula in Valencia

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Button logs into Lewis' winning formula as he looks to end his barren run in Valencia

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UPDATED:

22:46 GMT, 22 June 2012

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but it remains to seen whether Lewis Hamilton views matters quite so philosophically if Jenson Button’s decision to borrow his recipe for success pays off.

The wry smile on Hamilton’s face when discussing the help that has been offered to Button’s side of the garage suggests he may not.

At the wheel: Lewis Hamilton in practice for the European Grand Prix on Friday

At the wheel: Lewis Hamilton in practice for the European Grand Prix on Friday

The Levante wind was blowing strongly across the Valencia Street Circuit on Friday but with just two points from the last four grand prix Button’s season is very much in the doldrums.

In a bid to cure the technical issues which have led to Button struggles with his tyres, the 2009 world champion will use his team-mate set-up data this weekend — a set-up which helped his Hamilton storm to his first victory of the season in Canada and to the top of the drivers’ championship.

Much is made of the team ethic at McLaren but Hamilton leaves you with the distinct impression he was not best pleased at having to offer Button a leg up.

'It was very interesting when I went to the factory last week,' said Hamilton.

'I was with my engineer and saw all the other top engineers together on one table.

'They had all of my data out lap by lap, noting all the things I did differently to Jenson to try and understand things. So he has absolutely every detail of what I’m doing differently. So I’m sure see a difference result this weekend.'

Brit of all right: Jenson Button and Felipe Massa during second practice on Friday

Brit of all right: Jenson Button and Felipe Massa during second practice on Friday

After admitting to be 'confused and lost’ following his 16th place in Montreal, Button was sounding far more confident in Valencia.

'I am sure he is,' added Hamilton. 'There’s been a lot of work that’s gone on for his car!'

In fairness to Button he has made no of his need for assistance, but the difference in his driving style to that of Hamilton means plenty of work still lies ahead if he is to tailor his teammate’s winning formula to his requirements.

'This weekend we are going to start very similar to Lewis,' conceded Button.

'I was baffled but I understand it a lot more now. I'm confident we’ve found the problems its whether we’ve done the right things to improve the car already. If we haven’t we understand where we need to go. The car is going to be different to the last few races, more like the first few races.'

Legend: Michael Schumacher in the pits at the Valencia Street Circuit

Legend: Michael Schumacher in the pits at the Valencia Street Circuit

Button better hope he can quickly regain the early season form which saw him win the opener in Australia and come home second in China – especially with the formidable names of Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel occupying the top three places in the championship.

A two-day visit to Royal Ascot failed to yield any winners, but Button is adamant he is not amongst the also-rans just yet even if he does recognise the need for at least a podium finish on Sunday.

'Not a lot is it’ insisted Button of the 43-point gap to Hamilton. 'It’s a very odd championship. I’ve lost those points in the last three races to the guy that’s leading so it can turn around quickly.'

Too quickly for Hamilton’s liking perhaps.

European Grand Prix

Gary Lineker does Arsene Wenger impression: Video

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VIDEO: Lineker does Wenger impression to sign off Match of the Day

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UPDATED:

08:56 GMT, 29 April 2012

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but we're not sure Arsene Wenger will be too impressed by Gary Lineker's impression of the Arsenal boss.

Wenger was targeted by Stoke fans as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium. His touchline habit of waving his arms about in an animated fashion
was repeatedly aped by thousands of home supporters throughout the game.

And Match of the Day presenter Lineker joined in the 'banter' as he signed off the BBC1 highlights show on Saturday night.

Scroll down to watch the video

Thick skin: Arsene Wenger is singled out by Stoke supporters

Thick skin: Arsene Wenger is singled out by Stoke supporters

There is no love lost between these teams, not least because of the game in February 2010 when Ryan Shawcross’s challenge broke Aaron Ramsey’s tibia and fibula.

Likewise the fans, and between Stoke supporters and Wenger in particular. Asked about his relationship with them, the Frenchman said: ‘They have a relationship with me but I don’t have one with them!

‘I have enough experience to cope and it doesn’t bother me too much. I am not responsible for the way people behave in the stands.’

He was more bothered by the booing of Ramsey. ‘I don’t think you can be especially proud of booing Aaron Ramsey.

Used to it: Wenger has a strange relationship with the Stoke fans

Used to it: Wenger has a strange relationship with the Stoke fans

‘He hasn’t done anything wrong,’ said Arsenal’s boss.

Wenger’s counterpart, Tony Pulis, deflected the Ramsey issue by saying: ‘I was more concerned with the Arsenal fans booing Shawcross.’

Indeed, for periods in the second half, the visiting fans chanted: ‘Ryan Shawcross, you know what you are.’

This behaviour was unedifying, and the football itself did not add up to much, but it was the result rather than the performance that really mattered.

‘This was a good result because Newcastle dropped points today,’ stressed Wenger. ‘But we still need to win our last two games to be sure of third place.’

The upshot is Arsenal’s destiny remains in their own hands. They sit four points clear of Newcastle who have a game in hand, and they lie seven and eight points respectively ahead of Tottenham and Chelsea, who each have two games in hand.