• 2010 Season

'I don't want to lose my No. 1' - Jenson Button

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton prepare for what McLaren's team principal Martin Whitmarsh predicted could be a 'classic season' © Sutton Images

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After four months of fulfilling all his commitments as world champion, Jenson Button has admitted he will be happy to get on with the real business of defending his title when the 2010 season gets underway this week in Bahrain.

He said he was "really looking forward to getting into my car on Friday morning knowing that I'm the world champion", adding: "It's a responsibility and an honour, but it's something I'm going to enjoy for as long as I can. I don't want to lose that number from my car.

"My winter has been an incredible learning experience - joining McLaren has provided me with exactly the sort of challenge I needed. I've put every effort into working with the team, my engineers and learning about my car to ensure that we start the season in Bahrain in the best possible shape."

But, as with many of the top drivers over the past fortnight, he was cautious when asked to make predictions. "Even after four weeks of testing, it's incredibly difficult to predict the order ahead of the new season. There are a number of teams and drivers who appear to be in the hunt, and, as with the start of every new season, it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the team to beat.

"I've never known a team work as hard as we have done over the winter. I've spent more time with my engineers this winter than I have before any other season, and I feel very comfortable about my preparations."

Team-mate and fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton was equally upbeat. "We're all extremely pleased with the progress we've made and the direction we've taken. I think we have a very promising car beneath us: it's a real change of direction, and I think the possibilities with this car are very exciting.

"Now, though, it's all about the racing. Once I put my crash helmet on and pull the visor down, I know more than anything that I'm ready to go racing."

McLaren's team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, said the preparations had been "one of the most painstakingly diligent pre-season programmes that we've ever undertaken.

"I can't remember the start of a Formula 1 season where there's been so much interest, excitement and anticipation. The closeness of the winter tests, our double-champion line-up, the return of a Formula 1 legend and the presence of four world champions on the grid mean that 2010 is already shaping up to be a classic season."

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