Button readily admits a win around the Northamptonshire airfield, never mind a
podium finish, is the one glaring omission on his CV.
“I have imagined it many times,” he said wistfully last week at a pre-British
GP media call. “I am sure it feels very special because you see the fans
excited and celebrating with you.”
Looking out over Nelson’s Column from the rooftop bar of the Trafalgar Hotel,
Button conceded it would be extra nice to tap into some of the patriotic
fervour going around just now.
“It is a massive year for the UK with the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics,”
Button said. “It would be a very special year to stand at the top of the
podium as winner of the British Grand Prix. Of course, every year is special
to win your home grand prix but this year we have the best opportunity. The
car should suit the circuit.
“Although we race for a team, most drivers are very patriotic and they want to
succeed at their home grands prix for themselves but also for their
countrymen.”
If 2012 has taught us anything, however, it is that predictions are futile.
With seven different winners from eight races, the only certainty is that
there is bound to be drama of some kind. It may be that luck is required as
well as a quick car. In this regard Button takes heart from Alonso’s win at
Valencia from 11th on the grid at the last race.
“Everything fell into place for him,” Button said. “Sometimes you make those
moves, they don’t work out and you end up in the wall. But I hope his
winning is over. He has his home grand prix and hopefully we can take over
now.”
A long overdue Button victory would certainly raise the roof of the
Silverstone’s new pits and paddock complex. It would also likely result in
some tears from the man himself.
Asked when he had last cried after a race, Button joked that “the last four”
had been pretty close-run things. Then turning serious he added: “If I win
at Silverstone, I will get really emotional. It will mean so much more.
“That was what it felt like after winning the world championship after so many
years trying to get the right car and the right team. I’m not sure I will be
blubbing like a girl but I will be emotional.”