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Vettel launches Buzzin' Corner biodiversity project at Suzuka

Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel kicked off in Suzuka on Wednesday his Buzzin' Corner campaign that aims to raise awareness for biodiversity.

Ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka has repainted the kerbs at Turn 2 – Vettel's favourite corner of the track – yellow and black in support of the ex-F1 driver's environmental plan.

The venue has also installed 11 insect hotels in an area located inside the circuit along its opening section, where bees and others insect will be able to seek refuge.

With 'racing for biodiversity" as its backdrop, Vettel's Buzzin' Corner campaign will seek to install habitats for insects at tracks around the world.

Vettel has invited F1's team bosses and drivers to visit the Buzzin' Corner for the project's special launch event that will take place on Thursday afternoon at Suzuka.

"We all know one insect is very famous, and it’s the bee," Vettel explained in a video uploaded to Instagram. "The bee is yellow and black, and it’s the perfect ambassador for us around this project.

"The idea is to highlight the importance of biodiversity because it stands not just for the bee but for all the other insects.

"So, we sort of use the bee as our ambassador, and she will help us to hopefully stress this very powerful message back there.

"It is nice to be back in Suzuka and hopefully this is just the beginning of an initiative and projects around the world leading to more yellow and black kerbs at racetracks and more habitat and space for insects.

"We have to celebrate variety, not just in human beings but also in nature, and we have to protect it. That’s really close to my heart and that’s what I want to stress here and raise awareness now."

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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.