The long wait is over and teams and drivers are either headed for Bahrain or already there in anticipation for the opening round of the 2010 Formula One world championship and for Jenson Button it will be the first race of his title defending season.

After taking the crown with Brawn Grand Prix in 2009, the young Brit switched teams to join forces with 2008 champion, Lewis Hamilton, to provide McLaren with one of the strongest driver line up’s on the grid.

After just four winter tests shared with his new teammate, it is hard for Jenson to know exactly where he is performance wise to his rivals, however he is reasonably satisfied with what the Woking based squad have achieved so far.

“Even after four weeks of testing, it’s incredibly difficult to predict the order ahead of the new season,” he said. “There are a number of teams and drivers who appear to be in the hunt, and, as with the start of every new season, it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the team to beat. I’ve never known a team work as hard as we have done over the winter – I’ve spent more time with my engineers this winter than I have before any other season, and I feel very comfortable about my preparations.”

Bahrain will be hot, as ever, but it’s a fantastic facility and a great circuit, and there’s every reason to expect it to host a great season-opening grand prix. For Jenson the thrill of getting back on track and behind his new McLaren as the reigning world champion can’t come quick enough!

“I’m really looking forward to getting into my car on Friday morning in Bahrain and knowing that I’m the world champion. It’s a responsibility and an honour – but it’s something I’m going to enjoy for as long as I can,” he said. “I don’t want to lose that number from my car! My winter has been an incredible learning experience – joining Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has provided me with exactly the sort of challenge I needed. I have put every effort into working with the team, my engineers and learning about my car to ensure that we start the season in Bahrain in the best possible shape.”