V8: Button backs wildcard entries

Jenson Button has backed V8 Supercars Australia’s move to allow international drivers to make one-off appearances in the championship.

The reigning Formula 1 World Champion sampled his first taste a V8 Supercar in the lead up to this season’s Australian Grand Prix when he drove Jamie Whincup’s TeamVodafone Holden Commodore, before expressing a desire to one day compete in one.

But although the McLaren driver is in favour of the move, his F1 commitments make an appearance any time soon unlikely.

“I think this is a fantastic idea, and it will be a great boost for what is already a thrilling and exciting championship,” he said.

“Although I really enjoyed my experience behind the wheel of Jamie Whincup’s TeamVodafone car at Albert Park earlier this year, my Formula 1 commitments mean I don’t have any plans to contest a round of the championship.”

Despite Button’s enthusiasm, a number of regular drivers, including Jason Bright and Garth Tander, have expressed their reservations about the introduction of wildcards.

Watch the V8 Supercar Championship, including the Bathurst 1000 LIVE, on Motors TV.


Josh Modaberi