JENSON Button will be looking to follow in the footsteps of some of the country's greatest drivers when he bids to win Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
If the Brawn GP driver wins on Sunday he become the last Briton to do so. This is the last scheduled British Grand Prix to take pace at Silverstone before it moves to Donnington Park next year.
Silverstone is one of the fastest race tracks on th
e current Formula One calendar and a firm favourite with many of the drivers. It hosted it's first Grand Prix in 1950.
Round eight of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship will also see Button looking to make it seven wins out of eight to cement his lead in the drivers' championship.
Button and team-mate Rubens Barrichello are both big fans of Silverstone, having raced at the circuit throughout their careers since the junior formulae.
Both drivers have enjoyed points finishes at the track with the Brazilian taking a memorable win in 2003 and an assured third place in last year's rain-affected race.
Button said: "The British Grand Prix is always an amazing weekend and I can't wait to race at Silverstone in front of our home fans on Sunday.
"To be leading the championship going into my home Grand Prix is something that I've never experienced before and it puts a smile on my face every time I think about it.
"I've raced at Silverstone from some fairly tough positions in the past but the fans have always been so supportive and I'd love to give them a performance that they can really enjoy this weekend.
"We know that our closest competitors are going to be good in the high-speed corners so it will be an interesting weekend. If we come away with a good result, I'll be so happy on Sunday!
"I have so many memories of Silverstone going right back to Nigel Mansell's win in 1987 and my first Formula One race there in 2000 when David Coulthard won and I finished fifth.
"It's strange to think that this might be our last race at Silverstone and I can't imagine not having a British Grand Prix so we'll be going all out to put on a fantastic show."
Team principal of the Brackley-based outfit Ross Brawn is also excited going into the British Grand Prix with his team leading the contructors' championship.
"The British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be a particularly special weekend for our team this year," said Brawn.
"We are very proud, as a British team, to be going into our home race leading the constructors' and drivers' championships.
"I have been fortunate enough to have been on the winning team at Silverstone in the past and it is an extremely special feeling that I would love to share with this team.
"We are holding a family day at our factory on Sunday for everyone who is not working at the track and it would be fantastic to head back there in the evening with a great result to celebrate.
"While it is very sad that this may be the last race at Silverstone as it is such a wonderful race track, the most important thing is that we retain the British Grand Prix for the future.""
Barrichello, who won the race in 2003, added: "Silverstone is one of my all-time favourite circuits and I absolutely love racing there.
"I have some amazing memories from Silverstone over the years and it feels really sad that this might be the last time that we race there.
"I spent so much time testing and racing at the circuit when I was younger that it almost feels like a home track and the crowds are always supportive, even if you aren't British!
"My win here in 2003 was really special and it's fantastic to be returning this year with a car that has the potential to compete for the victory."
