Share this article on LinkedIn Email

Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button has signed a deal to drive for Honda in the Japanese Super GT series in 2018.

Button had made it clear he would "definitely" be making a full-time return to motorsport next year and was particularly keen on racing in Japan or America.

The 2009 F1 champion took part in Super GT's showpiece Suzuka 1000km race in August and will now contest the entire 2018 season, which begins on April 7-8 at Okayama.

Button's announcement was made official at the Honda Racing Thanks Day festival at Motegi, although no information was made available regarding his team or the co-drivers.

Honda is one of the three manufacturers in Super GT alongside Nissan and Lexus and currently sports five single-car teams on the grid.

It has been third-best in recent seasons, although Hondas won two races in 2017.

"I'll be racing for Honda and have a contract to race with Honda in Super GT in 2018," Button said.

"It's been a dream for the last couple of years, I love the category.

"I did one race in Suzuka this year, and it got me very excited.

"I'm very excited about the new season. There's a lot of testing to be done to feel comfortable and hopefully improve the package and go out next year and be competitive."