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Japan: Button steaks his claim on 2009
By Phil Huff October 9 2008
Honda Racing F1's Jenson Button sat in on the Thursday pre-race press conference at the Fuji Speedway today, confirming once more that he's not confirmed for 2009, talking of the possibilities for the new year, and bemoaning the future lack of steak in Montreal.

Jenson, your thoughts about this circuit?

This is an interesting circuit, I find. It is very different to most places we go. There are a lot of very late apexes and it is very, very different to most. Last year we went well in the wet conditions. I am not sure if it is going to be the same situation this year. From looking at our weather forecast it is not going to be anywhere near as wet as last year either, so we don’t really know how we are going to fare until we drive tomorrow. But it is nice to be back and it is nice to be back in Japan. I have had a good time this week. We had an event on Sunday which was good fun and it has been a nice few days relaxing in Tokyo.

Looking ahead to next year, what are your expectations and hopes?

Every team will say they are going to be quicker next year than this year, they are going to build a good car. There is one thing we can’t do and that’s make a slow car. I am positive for next year and hopefully I will be with Honda next season and we can build a very competitive car. I know that the team will do a great job in building a new car. It’s what other people do, that’s what we have got to wait and see.

There will be a lot of changes next year with the new regulations. But you are not confirmed at this stage for next year?

No.

When are you expecting an announcement?

We are not in a rush, it’s fine. But as you said there is a lot changing next year which makes it very exciting. Ross is very good at new regulations and I am looking forward to it, driving with slick tyres and new aero spec and obviously the KERS. There is a lot to play with there and a lot for us to get right.

Could I ask you about Montreal, one of the greatest cities we go to. The track was breaking up, so that was a shame, so what are your thoughts about not going back to Montreal?

I’ve obviously spent a few years racing in Montreal. I love the city. I think it’s a great city and you’re right, it’s one of the best races to go for, for the nightlife – it’s a lot of fun. The circuit itself? As you said, it was breaking up quite a bit over the last couple of years and causing a lot of marbles and difficulties for us. It’s always sad seeing a circuit go. We get a holiday now in the summer which is quite nice, but it’s sad to see it go, for sure. I don’t know the reasons behind it but for sure I will miss the city, Montreal, probably more than the circuit. The steaks man, the steaks are good.

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