2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button has confirmed that he will make his Super GT debut in the 46th International Suzuka 1000km in August, Round 6 of the 2017 Super GT Championship.

In the race, Button will drive the #16 MOTUL MUGEN NSX-GT in the GT500 category as the third driver alongside regulars Hideki Mutoh and Daisuke Nakajima. He will also take part in a tyre test later this month as part of the deal.

“After driving an NSX CONCEPT-GT at Honda Racing last December, I became interested in racing in SUPER GT,” said Button. “I spoke with Honda and they have given me a chance to race at the Suzuka 1000km. As a F1 driver and a member of TEAM MUGEN, I will push to win. I am very much looking forward to racing in front of my Japanese fans again.”

Button, who is now ‘retired’ from full-time Formula One, took part in the Monaco Grand Prix last month while Mclaren Honda’s Fernando Alonso took part in the Indy 500.

Photos courtesy of Super GT