Sports

Published: Thursday October 1, 2009 MYT 2:41:00 PM

Button feels pressure of F1 title fight

SUZUKA, Japan (AP) - Championship leader Jenson Button has acknowledged the weight of expectation upon him to win this season's Formula One title, yet he feels more privileged than pressured.

Button has a 15 point lead in the drivers' championship with only two races to follow this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barrichello is his nearest challenger while Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is a further ten points back.

The Briton is not exactly relishing the favoritism, but would rather be in contention than not.

"Its tough, but its also very exciting and I would not change it for the world," Button said. "Its part of the challenge.

"Its a sport that is very emotional. I've followed Formula One since I was a kid, and to be in this position, I am privileged and very lucky to fight for the championship and I will never forget that."

Button can clinch the title at Suzuka if he gets five more points than Barrichello.

"I don't come into the race thinking I am going to seal the title here," Button said Thursday. "There are so many things that can happen this weekend. There are three people in the running for the title and I am one of them.

"The most important thing for me to do is to work has hard as I can on Friday and Saturday to get the car right for qualifying and the race."

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll