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London, July 7
Victory at Silverstone on Sunday would mean more to Jenson Button than anyone on the Formula One starting grid but his championship-leading McLaren team mate Lewis Hamilton has no intention of letting that happen.
There will be no room for sentiment when the only two Britons in the race line up in front of an expected 120,000-strong crowd for their home grand prix at a revamped circuit.
"The feeling of winning the British Grand Prix, your home grand prix, is unique," Hamilton, looking every inch the smiling assassin, told reporters this week. "It is almost as good as winning the world championship."
Both men, currently one-two at the top of the standings, have taken world titles already and also triumphed in the glamorous surroundings of Monaco.
But whereas overall leader Hamilton (127 points) won at Silverstone in his 2008 championship year, Button (121) has yet to finish in the top three in 11 seasons of trying.
Having won two races already this year, and finished his last three on the podium, the reigning champion has his best chance yet of breaking the jinx.
"This one is very special for us," Button said. "It's something I am really excited about.
"For most drivers, our main aim is to win the world championship, to win in Monaco — and I have been able to achieve both of them — and also to win your home grand prix.
"It's something that I am looking for and looking forward to the challenge this weekend.
"I love the British Grand Prix, it has such an amazing atmosphere," Button added. "It's not just because I'm British but there are a few races around the world that we go to where there is a very special atmosphere. Silverstone is one of them." — Reuters
Victory at Silverstone on Sunday would mean more to Jenson Button than anyone on the Formula One starting grid but his championship-leading McLaren team mate Lewis Hamilton has no intention of letting that happen.
There will be no room for sentiment when the only two Britons in the race line up in front of an expected 120,000-strong crowd for their home grand prix at a revamped circuit.
"The feeling of winning the British Grand Prix, your home grand prix, is unique," Hamilton, looking every inch the smiling assassin, told reporters this week. "It is almost as good as winning the world championship."
Both men, currently one-two at the top of the standings, have taken world titles already and also triumphed in the glamorous surroundings of Monaco.
But whereas overall leader Hamilton (127 points) won at Silverstone in his 2008 championship year, Button (121) has yet to finish in the top three in 11 seasons of trying.
Having won two races already this year, and finished his last three on the podium, the reigning champion has his best chance yet of breaking the jinx.
"This one is very special for us," Button said. "It's something I am really excited about.
"For most drivers, our main aim is to win the world championship, to win in Monaco — and I have been able to achieve both of them — and also to win your home grand prix.
"It's something that I am looking for and looking forward to the challenge this weekend.
"I love the British Grand Prix, it has such an amazing atmosphere," Button added. "It's not just because I'm British but there are a few races around the world that we go to where there is a very special atmosphere. Silverstone is one of them." — Reuters
