Button takes on Martin in Williams at British GP

2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button will race Guy Martin in iconic Williams cars over the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone.

As part of former Isle of Man TT contender Martin’s latest television documentary Speed with Guy Martin: Classic F1 Driver he will rebuild the FW08C, which claimed victory at the 1983 Monaco Grand Prix at the hands of Keke Rosberg, before racing the car against former world champion Button who will jump in the six-wheeled FW08B which was banned just months before the start of the 1983 season.

Martin is relishing the opportunity having teamed up with Williams as part of its pit crew during last year’s Belgian Grand Prix, which was also part of a documentary, and taking on Button in a race at Silverstone.

“I feel that I’m in good company behind the wheel of the Williams FW08C,” Martin said. “It was the first F1 car to be driven by the great Ayrton Senna and it won the 1983 Monaco Grand Prix.

“It’s been a real privilege to work with Williams on bringing this iconic piece of motoring history back to life. Jenson may be a world champion but with a stunning vehicle like this all bets are off.”

Jonathan Williams, of Williams Heritage, is delighted to welcome back Martin and is fully confident he’ll be able to do the British team proud alongside Button.

“It has been great to open our doors once again to Guy Martin, this time engaging him with our Williams Heritage department,” Williams said. “Guy has proved himself to be the consummate professional yet again, being both mechanically adept and having a real feel behind the wheel of a racing car.

“The FW08C continues to play an important role in our 41 years of racing history and we are pleased to offer both Guy and Jenson the opportunity to showcase some of the team’s history at Silverstone.”

Button made his F1 debut with BMW Williams in 2000 and will mark his first F1-related involvement since leaving the McLaren fold last year.