China: Jenson Button to hit 100 at Shanghai

By Phil Huff
October 13 2005

BAR Honda's Jenson Button is keen to return to Shanghai and repeat his 2004 podium finish - a perfect present on his 100th Grand Prix start.

"The Chinese Grand Prix has become one of my favourites, so it's great to be heading there this week for the final race of the season," said Jenson. "The Shanghai circuit is quite challenging and fun to drive. We were on the podium last year and we know it's a track that should suit this year's car.

"We did some good work in testing for the last couple of races and though I’m reluctant to make any predictions after a disappointing home race for the team in Japan, I think we will be stronger in China.

"We have a busy week ahead though looking at where things went wrong for us and what we can do to make sure we can step up again to end a tough season on a high note. I am looking forward to it."

Last year's race saw Jenson Button start from third on the grid, overtaking Kimi Raikkonen in the race to secure second place, just one second behind race winner, and BAR bound driver, Rubens Barrichello.

The result remains Jenson's best result, although he has finished second on three other occasions. In his previous 99 race starts, Button has scored 166 points, been on the podium 12 times, and taken pole position twice.