Button makes himself at home

SUZUKA, Japan - Jenson Button reduced his girlfriend to tears on Sunday with a Japanese Grand Prix victory he hailed as one of the most special of his Formula One career.

Even if the McLaren driver's joy was eclipsed by the celebrations at Red Bull for Sebastian Vettel's second successive championship, his delight was obvious from the moment he crossed the line.

Parking his car at the end of the pitlane, in the wrong place, the Briton stood up in jubilation and then jogged back to the garages waving at the fans in the packed grandstand opposite.