McLaren driver looking forward to Suzuka return
Last Updated: September 30, 2011 12:44pm
Button: close links with Japan
Jenson Button believes the Japanese Grand Prix will be an emotional experience.
With Japanese model Jessica Michibata his girlfriend, and with Japan now his second home, Button is aware of how the country continues to cope with the natural disaster that struck in March.
It was almost eight months ago a tsunami caused by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake devastated north-east Japan, killing more than 15,000.
With that part of the world still looking to rebuild, in particular given the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the title-deciding race on October 9 will prove to be a special event.
Rebuilding
"Japan is a place very close to my heart," said Button.
"Obviously, it's going to be a very emotional experience for me to be racing in Japan for the first time since the events of last March.
"I'm very proud the Formula One world championship will put Japan on the world's sporting stage next weekend.
"While the country is collectively rebuilding itself, I'm deeply aware sport can play a significant role in helping to restore hope and normality to communities that were torn apart by the earthquake and tsunami.
"For everyone who follows Formula One, I hope we can put on a great race to bring further strength to the people of Japan.
"And to everyone in Japan, I say: ganbatte (do your best)."
Like Button, McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton would also like to think the race will have a positive effect.
"We all travel to Japan extremely mindful of the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the country earlier this year," said Hamilton.
"I hope the Japanese Grand Prix can successfully show the world the country is strengthening and rebuilding itself after the terrible events of last March."
Coronation
As for the race itself, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel requires just a point to reclaim his title and become the sport's youngest back-to-back and double world champion.
As Vettel has won the last two grands prix at Suzuka, it is hard to imagine the 24-year-old will not make it three in a row and win the title in style.
Button, who has enjoyed a win, two seconds and a third in the last four races, feels McLaren should not be ruled out in their bid to deny Vettel the race win at least.
"In the last few races we've shown we have extremely good pace and that we've been the team most able to take the fight to Red Bull," said Button.
"On paper it's a circuit that will suit the Red Bulls, particularly in the high-speed sweeps that make up the first sector.
"But I certainly don't think people should under-estimate our package.
"We showed at Spa we have a car that's very effective in high-speed corners.
"We've also improved our straight-line speed and we have a more efficient rear-wing for qualifying, so I think we're feeling positive about the weekend."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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