F1s wonder boy Jenson Button coming to Manila

While most men his age grope and fumble with naiveté through the bumps and snags of the real world, F1 racer Jenson Button at 22 years of age, expertly maneuvers its tricky twists and turns.

At such a young age, the Mild Seven Renault helmsman is already living his dream as a top Formula One driver. His recent performance in Suzuka put him in yet another points finish, behind only the drivers of the "Big Three" teams – thus proving that the young Englishman is well on his way to the ultimate goal of every racer: the World Championship. His patented jackrabbit start saw him gain a few places in the grid, which was decimated as the race wore on. His clinical protection of his position, together with masterful pit work and timing ensured his finish in the top six.

With a career that spans nearly his whole life, the talented Jenson admits to a serious flaw: "I love racing too much," he says. In fact, the need for speed may have been genetic; after all, his father was rally cross star John Button. On that fateful day when Jenson learned of his entry into the most exciting racing sport in the world, the two Buttons wept in each other’s arms. A total of 51 grand prixs later, the young Button is now brimming with confidence and looking poised to further his career.

Jenson became the star of the British Karting World, winning titles and setting the record for being the only driver to win all 34 races for the British Cadet Karting circuit. When he turned 18, the teenage sensation moved on to cars, competing in the Formula Ford circuit with the Haywood Racing Team. From there, he quickly rose to the Formula 3 Circuit.

In 2000, Jenson Button officially became a Formula One driver when the Williams team picked him as their choice for their spare seat that year. He eventually placed eighth in the Driver’s Championship. In 2001, he debuted with the Mild Seven Benetton Renault F1 team, where he placed 17th in the Championship.

The 2002 season has seen Button improve his performance significantly. He placed fourth at the Sepang and Interlagos circuits, fifth at Nurburging and Monza, sixth at Magny-Cours. Finishing seventh place at the Driver’s Championship, the Somerset native is sure to be a formidable figure in the F1 world in years to come. On his alliance with the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, Jenson Button said, "Renault has an amazing track record, and I’m proud to be part of their full return to F1."

F1 fanatics 18 years old and above, should make their way to The Fort at Bonifacio Global City on November 9 and see the R202, the actual Mild Seven Renault F1 racing car, and meet Button himself. A raffle will cap off the festivities in Mild Seven’s XLR8. The grand prize is a trip for two to the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia, including lodging, airfare, transportation, pocket money and tickets for two to the race day.

To get a chance to win, F1 fans over the age of 18 simply have to fill out empty Mild Seven packs (original or lights – no counterfeits, please) with their name, address, age (as of Sept. 20, 2002) and signature and send them to Wishcraft Creative Events, #17 San Pablo Street, Bo. Kapitolyo, Pasig City, 1603. Or, they can drop it off at The Fort at Bonifacio Global City on November 8 before 12 midnight.

To win the once-in-a-lifetime experience, the lucky winner must be at the venue when his/her name is called.

Enhancing Mild Seven XLR8’s ultimate Formula One experience are Kodak, who will provide photo ops for F1 fans and Total, who will provide a Mobile Car Clinic which can offer free car check-up and maintenance services to the guests. Oakley, meanwhile, will raffle off cool shades for the press, and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits will provide guests with wine sampling. FHM babes will grace the event and Asia Brewery will sell beer and water at discounted rates.