Button to return to full-time racing in 2024 WEC with Jota

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Jenson Button will return to full-time racing next year, the Briton competing in the 2024 World Endurance Championship in the top Hypercar class with Jota Porsche.

Save for his stint in the 2019 Japan-based Super GT series, Button has only appeared sporadically in various motorsport disciplines, showcasing his versatility and enduring passion for the sport.

But next year, the 2009 F1 world champion Button will join the Hertz Team Jota lineup in the WEC, driving one of the outfit’s two Porsche 963s alongside fellow British driver Philip Hanson and Danish racer Oliver Rasmussen.

This exciting endeavor presents Button with the opportunity to challenge himself on the grandest stage of endurance racing, including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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"I'm thrilled to be racing with Hertz Team Jota in the 2024 WEC alongside my team-mates Oliver and Phil," said the 43-year-old.

"Both already have a lot of experience in endurance racing and that is key.

"Endurance racing is about teamwork and there is no better team than Hertz Team Jota to be taking on the big manufacturers in Hypercar."

The Hertz Team Jota Porsche 963 competing at Monza earlier this year.

Button’s participation in this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with Hendrik Motorsport’s Garage 56 entry – a modified Chevrolet Camaro LS1 NASCAR Cup car – triggered his interest in undertaking a full programme in the WEC’s top category.

The Briton took part in last October's Petit Le Mans IMSA SportsCar Championship finale at Road Atlanta, driving the JDC-Miller MotorSports Porsche 963.

And he’ll enjoy a second IMSA start at next month’sDaytona 24 Hours where he'll be joining WTR Andretti, serving as the team’s fourth driver of its Acura ARX-06 LMDh.

The eight-round 2024 WEC will kick off in Qatar in March and subsequently visit Imola, Spa, Le Mans, Interlagos, Austin, Suzuka and Bahrain, all venues very familiar to Button from his F1 days.

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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.