Button all set and ready to go for 'surreal' return

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Jenson Button will be back behind the wheel of a McLaren next weekend as he subs for Fernando Alonso as the Spaniard takes on the Indy 500 Sunday.

Button probably didn't expect to be back in F1 when he left Abu Dhabi last November with 305 Grand Prix under his belt.

But extraordinary circumstances have brought him back into the fray for a one-off battle on the streets of Monte-Carlo, where he won in his championship-winning year in 2009.

"It feels slightly surreal to be back in the cockpit for the Monaco Grand Prix," Button said in the team's preview.

"When the call came from Eric there was no hesitation – it’s a totally unique situation and a great opportunity.

"I’m looking forward to stepping back behind the wheel for one of the most crazy, unpredictable and exciting races of the year."

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As experienced as he may be, there's always a challenge to tackle on the narrow streets of the Principality. For Button, it will be two-fold: getting back into action, and doing it behind the wheel of a new-spec car.

“Monaco is truly unique as a track, and requires a lot of work to fine-tune the car and optimise the set-up for the narrow layout.

"It’s always a challenge – a huge challenge, for any driver – but a really exciting challenge, and has always been up there in my favourite races of the year.

"Although I haven’t turned a wheel on track yet in the MCL32, I feel well prepared. I know the track well, of course, and I’ve done quite a bit of work in the McLaren simulator already."

The Brit's healthy lifestyle and his passion for training will see him step inot his car on Thursday morning as fit as any driver on the grid.

"I’m still fit, and I’ve been training probably more than ever, because I’ve had the time to focus on my triathlon preparation and competitions.

"I’m looking forward to working with the team again, and, as I’ll be on the other side of the garage this time around, I’ll do my best to look after the car for Fernando!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.