Jenson Button: “The first step in a return to competition”

That's what we call a big surprise. On the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Daytona, Team Hendrick Motorsports announced its drivers for the 24 Hours of Le Mans where the team will field a Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR as Garage 56. If Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller were expected, this was not the case for Jenson Button. The world champion of Formula 1 in 2009 with Brawn GP joins the adventure and will be at the Centenary of the Sarthe event.

The Briton's history with NASCAR began around ten years ago. In the company of a certain Jimmie Johnson. “ I've been to two races actually, with Jimmie (Johnson). The first one I attended was the Homestead in 2012, as it was the last race of the year. I remember I was with Jimmie after the race. It was incredible. What blew me away was the sound. »

« I've been following Jimmie's career for a very long time. I raced against Rocky at Le Mans (in 2018), although we were in different categories (Button in LM P1, Rockenfeller in LMGTE Pro. Editor’s note). They are good friends. And when I was asked to come to the test session at Sebring, I thought it was pretty crazy that NASCAR was going to the biggest race in the world. »

« I stood on the sidelines to watch, and I felt like a kid again. This is what I have always sought in motorsport. When I retired from Formula 1 I looked to do other things, I did Super GT in Japan (a race in 2017 with Mugen, then the 2018 and 2019 seasons with Kunimitsu), Le Mans (in 2018 with SMP Racing) and other stuff. When I saw NASCAR on the track, I had a big smile on my face and the love of racing came back. I was like, show me where to sign, I'm really interested in this and working with these guys. »

A future in Hypercar?

Jenson Button, however, has not yet had the opportunity to test the beast. Although it was offered to him at Sebring. “ I didn't have a helmet or a suit, says the former F1 driver. They told me I could borrow some, but that's not what I'm used to. I have to prepare for this and we have to exchange. They were open for me to jump in the car, I really like the atmosphere within the team. They are very professional, without taking themselves too seriously, which is great. I think the car will be competitive at Le Mans. I'm looking forward to competing against the other competitors and getting the fans' thoughts on the car and what we're trying to achieve. »

It is therefore almost by chance that Jenson Button finds himself embarked on this adventure, arriving at the test “ a little scruffy " and " a little tired » by his own admission. “ I can't wait to drive it, admits the Englishman, like a child talking about the future fashionable toy that he absolutely wants to try. There are some things that I'm going to need time to get used to, especially in terms of weight. »

At 43, the man with 15 victories in Formula 1 will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a short adventure in 2018 (retirement). No follow-up, because Jenson Button had given priority to his family. “ I have two children and I didn't want to spend time away from home, He recalls. A few months ago my wife said to me, please go run something, you're bored. She understands that my passion will never disappear. This love for racing and for competing, this love of driving cars, that's my world. It will never leave me. » Now that the racing bug has returned, Jenson Button does not intend to stop there. “ This is the first step in a serious return to competition He promises.

With a comeback at the highest level ofEndurance ? " 2023 will be a big year with the Centenary of Le Mans, the new regulations and the presence of so many high-level cars. Next year will be even crazier. We'll see, but it has to be in good conditions. » The new golden age of endurance definitely leaves no one indifferent...

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