Red Bull's Vettel, Webber take a dig at world champion's much-anticipated 2010 wedding plans
Red Bull's Vettel, Webber take a dig at world champion's much-anticipated 2010 wedding plansYou could tell the end of a tense Formula One season had arrived as new world champion Jenson Button found himself at the humorous mercy of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.
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Brawn GP's Jenson Button celebrates his 2009 Formula One World Championship title after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit yesterday. |
Vettel had just made history by becoming the winner of F1's first day-night race around Abu Dhabi's astonishing Yas Marina circuit, even if the grand prix itself did not do justice to the u00a3800million facilities.
The 22-year-old spearheaded Red Bull's fourth one-two of the season with the fifth win of his career, with Button back on the podium for only the second time since early June in his Brawn GP.
As both championships had been decided a fortnight ago in Brazil, the pressure was off all the drivers.
That was clearly evident in a post-race press conference in which Button was ribbed about his personal future, and the possibility of wedding bells with girlfriend, Japanese-Argentine lingerie model Jessica Michibata.
After the most momentous day of his life in Sao Paulo, the expectation since has been for Button to follow up with another and pop the question to Miss Michibata.
Asked as to their plans for the winter, Vettel immediately started the light-hearted banter saying: "Jenson's getting married, we heard, so he's busy."
Webber wittily added: "And we're all invited as well."
A blushing Button replied saying: "Next question."
Button then listened intently as Vettel and Webber proceeded to reel off a list of sponsorship commitments and personal details over the next few months.
"Wow! That's a lot. I have got nothing planned this winter," said Button, who initially is in Beijing from Tuesday for three days for the Race of Champions with Vettel.
"I'm then heading to Japan to spend time there with my girlfriend (and he emphasised the word 'girlfriend').
Then I'm going to have a few more days off and sort myself out, and start thinking about next year.
"It's amazing how early it starts. 2010 comes up on you in a flash, so I've got to focus on that. I'm looking forward to the new challenge.
"Oh, and I've got my 30th birthday in January as well. Thirty! Imagine that Sebastian!"
The 22-year-old Vettel smiled and replied: "A long way to go!"
As Button answered another question, he paused noticing Webber and Vettel having a private chat.
"Excuse me guys I'm trying to talk. You might want to listen to this," he said.
Webber countered saying: "We're talking about your wedding day, mate. We're just trying to clear our schedule."
Button was then asked for a date and he replied: "I'm not getting married this year."
"Why not? You don't love her?" quipped Vettel.
Webber was quick with the obvious response as he said: "Next year... clear up January!"
