"THE 2010 SEASON STARTS HERE", SAYS JENSON BUTTON AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

"THE 2010 SEASON STARTS HERE", SAYS JENSON BUTTON AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL
 

Formula One World Champion Jenson Button told his fans at Autosport International that his title defence is fully underway, and all his focus is now on making sure that he and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team will be ready for the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain on 14 March 2010.

Autosport International, Europe's largest motorsport show, drew huge crowds to the National Exhibition Centre over the weekend and Button was in great demand throughout, signing autographs and answering questions from his many loyal fans.

As the four-day show closed on Sunday afternoon, Button confirmed that Autosport International was his first engagement of the year, and his work has now started in earnest as he prepares for his first test with his new car and team on 3 February at Valencia in Spain.

"We are hoping for a positive test but there is still a lot of work to do before that," Button told his fans from the Autosport Stage. "I've been at the factory and in the simulator a lot as we build up to the first test, because I don't want any excuse when I get to the first race alongside Lewis [Hamilton]. The holidays are over, the season starts here, and I want to be ready, 100 per cent."

"The year ended well with the crowning of a British Formula One World Champion," said Gavin Brown, Managing Director, Haymarket Exhibitions. However, last year was a challenging one for the motorsport and automotive industry generally. Autosport International has started 2010 with a resounding success and encouraging reports from visitors and exhibitors, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead."