Wednesday, September 24, 2008

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

BUTTON POINTS TO CRUCIAL BUILD-UP

Button - looking forward to the challenge.

Jenson Button believes that pre-race preparations are more important than ever as Formula One gears up for its historic first night race in Singapore this weekend.

With the 28-year-old having managed just one top-10 finish this year the Singapore Grand Prix will provide an exciting new challenge as, with the race providing a new experience for all the drivers, anything could happen come Sunday.

Consequently the Honda driver is keen to ensure he is in perfect condition for the race and increase his chances of adding to his three points this season.

"For a flyaway race, it is always better to arrive as early as possible to acclimatise to the time zone," he said. "However for the night race in Singapore the situation is quite the opposite.

"We will be operating to a European timeframe which will be tough as it means staying awake throughout the night and sleeping for practically the whole day before starting the engineering and running schedule from 1700.

"We have approached the race weekend timing very carefully for this race and will concentrate on getting our rest and nutrition right to ensure the body is ready to react in the right way when required.

"The first night race is very exciting for the sport and I can't wait to see what conditions the floodlighting will present.

"It's going to be quite a challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."

Behind the scenes teams have been working flat out to assess and reduce any complications the race could potentially present.

With the threat of rain a factor to consider as well as working through to the early hours of the morning, engineers and technical staff having been working hard to ensure everything is ready.

However, for Honda team principle Ross Brawn the challenges that the research and preparations has produced has been a thrilling experience.

"The first Formula One night race, and of course a brand new circuit, presents a number of unique and exciting challenges for the team and we have greatly enjoyed working on these.

"First and foremost, it will be the first time that a Formula One race has been run under lights.

"We have done a great deal of research into this, particularly at the Moto GP race earlier this year, and our sporting rirector visited the Singapore track for the lighting test and was very impressed with the facilities."

The Singapore race is the second Grand Prix to take place in a city-state this season after Monaco.

However that is where the similarities end, with the Asian street circuit certain to pose a different challenge to its European counterpart.

"To prepare for the new track, both our drivers have been working on the simulator at our Brackley headquarters which assists with learning the track layout, gears and downforce levels," added Brawn.

"The circuit itself is tight, twisty and very narrow in places and it will be even slower than Monaco, with all of Monaco's traditional challenges."



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