Classic in prospect as title run-in moves to Suzuka
SUZUKA: After a three-year absence, Formula One returns this weekend to one of its traditional and most-revered racing homes with Briton Jenson Button bidding to lift the drivers world title at Suzuka.
The 29-year-old Englishman, who leads the title race by 15 points ahead of his Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barrichello, knows a victory and ill-fortune for his leading rivals could secure the crown.
He also knows that a podium finish could be enough if the rest fail to cut his lead to less than 20 points with two races remaining in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
But most of all he knows that there is a rich irony for him and the Brawn team in having an opportunity to secure the drivers and the constructors championships on Honda's home stamping ground.
Honda were the previous owners of the now-Brawn team before boss Ross Brawn led a consortium that performed a buyout and saved them from extinction on the eve of the season.
And that delicious twist of fate will not be lost on Button or any of his team as they return to a track they love for its wonderful racing characteristics.
"Suzuka is a fantastic racing circuit and a classic drivers' track so we are delighted to be returning there this weekend," said Brawn.
"It is a venue that has played host to some great races over the years and with all the hard work that has been undertaken recently to improve the facilities, it should prove to be an even better venue for the Japanese Grand Prix after the three-year break."
Button, who has 84 points to Brazil's Barrichello on 69, with German Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull third on 59, said he had good memories at Suzuka.
"It's a very fast-flowing lap and a real drivers' circuit, just like Silverstone and Spa," he said.
"I think everyone has missed having it on the calendar for the past few years.
"I've had some moments there in the past. I've always enjoyed great support at Suzuka in the past from the Japanese fans who are so enthusiastic about the sport so we'll be hoping for more of the same this weekend."
AFP
(China Daily 10/02/2009 page11)
