Spanish Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jenson Button delivered another masterclass at the Spanish Grand Prix, leading Rubens Barrichello home for Brawn GP's second one-two finish of the season and extending his championship lead to a commanding margin. The British driver controlled the race from pole position at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, showcasing the Brawn BGP 001's continued competitiveness even as Red Bull's development program began closing the gap, while Ferrari and McLaren endured another weekend of frustration at the back of the midfield.

Button's pole lap of 1:20.527 gave him the crucial track position at a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult, and he converted that advantage into a flawless race performance. The Brawn driver managed his pace perfectly, controlling the gap to Barrichello throughout while conserving his tires and fuel on one of the season's most demanding circuits. His fourth victory in five races was a statement of intent - Button had transformed from perennial underdog to championship favorite, and the consistency of his performances was beginning to recall the dominance of legends like Schumacher and Prost.

Barrichello provided excellent support in second place, matching Button's pace and ensuring Brawn maximized their constructor points as they built an imposing lead in both championships. Mark Webber secured third place for Red Bull, demonstrating that while the Milton Keynes team had the pace to challenge, they still lacked the overall package to consistently beat Brawn. The race highlighted the technical development race unfolding - Brawn had arrived with the best interpretation of the new regulations, but their tiny budget meant development was limited. Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren were spending millions to catch up, and the gap was narrowing with each race. Button's commanding 14-point championship lead provided crucial breathing room, but the warning signs were clear that the second half of the season would be a genuine battle.