Button pressing for victory on Honda’s home track

JENSON BUTTON is hoping to deliver a result to be proud of for BAR engine supplier Honda on their home track in this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Honda own the Suzuka circuit and, as in previous years, have produced a one-off engine to give them the best chance of success on home turf.

Button and team-mate Takuma Sato will benefit from the extra power and the Englishman is determined to maintain his good run of form.

He led the last two grands prix in Italy and China before succumbing to Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello and hopes for another strong run in Japan.

“Both Takuma and I are really looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix,” said Button. “Suzuka is a very special circuit in itself and I think our car and package will work very well there. The change of direction with our car is very good, which is important for the particular characteristics of this circuit.

“We know we can be fast there, having finished fourth and sixth last year, so, I am expecting a lot from the race.

“It’s also going to be very special, being Honda’s home grand prix at Honda’s own circuit. We have had some fantastic results this season and hopefully they will continue in Suzuka,” he said.

BAR boss David Richards is preparing to celebrate the team’s 100th grand prix and feels the progress his squad have made in the past year is worthy of particular praise.

The team’s short F1 life had been characterised by disappointment before Button helped lift BAR to another level this year, leading their chase for second in the constructors’ championship. Richards is not taking that fight lightly, though, despite a string of disappointments for rivals Renault.

He said: “We were delighted to play our part in a thrilling Formula One baptism for the Chinese last time and, of course, to extend our lead over Renault to a very pleasing nine point margin,” he said.

“However, we are certainly not out of the woods yet and we have a tough battle on our hands in the last two grands prix.

“By way of an additional incentive, the team is proud to be celebrating its 100th grand prix in Japan.

“It is incredible to think that, last year, we had just 18 points heading into this race. It’s a tribute to the team that we have broken the 100-point barrier as we celebrate this important milestone in BAR’s short history.”