Jenson Button heads east to Super GT for 2018

©SuperGT

Jenson Button will race full time next year with Honda, having secured a deal to compete in Japan's Super GT series.

The 2009 world champion, who made a one-off return to F1 earlier this year in Monaco, had been in search of a competitive program for 2018, setting his sights on racing either in America or Japan.

Button was initially considered for an IMSA drive in the US with Penske-Acura, but ultimately he was not included in the team's line-up.

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Last August, the 37-year-old took part in Super GT's headline event - the Suzuka 1000km race, an experience which undoubtedly wet his appetite.

"I'll be racing for Honda and have a contract to race with Honda in Super GT in 2018," Button said.

"It's been a dream for the last couple of years, I love the category. I did one race in Suzuka this year, and it got me very excited.

"I'm very excited about the new season. There's a lot of testing to be done to feel comfortable and hopefully improve the package and go out next year and be competitive."

Button made the announcement during its end-of-season Honda Racing Thanks Days at Motegi, but provided no details about the team for which he shall be driving.

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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.