Jenson Button heads to Super GT in Japan

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Jenson Button will get his first taste of Super GT when he takes part in the Suzuka 1000km race in Japan next August.

Button concluded his F1 career in Monaco last weekend, and while he remains contracted to McLaren this year, the Brit is allowed to venture out into other categories of racing, in association with Honda.

"After driving an NSX Concept-GT at the Honda Racing Thanks Day last December, I became interested in racing in Super GT," Button said.

"I spoke with Honda and they have given me the chance to race at the Suzuka 1000km. As an F1 driver and a member of Team Mugen, I will push to win.

"I am very much looking forward to racing in front of my Japanese fans again."

A tyre test scheduled to take place next week at Suzuka will provide Button will an opportunity to drive the Team-Mugen NSX-GT he will share with Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima.

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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.