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More pressure on Button

Author: John Harris
Date: 06/10/2009
Formula One betting

Sebastian Vettel thinks he can do it, but can he snatch the Formula One world championship from under the nose of Jenson Button?

Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix has increased the pressure on Button shoulder's as, although his eighth-placed finish edged him closer to a maiden title, his lead over Vettel was slashed by the German's race victory at Suzuka.

With just two races remaining in the season, Button now holds a 14-point lead over Brawn GP team-mate and closest challenger Rubens Barrichello.

Vettel is now just two points further adrift and believes the momentum is now with him and Red Bull.

"It can still be done," he said after Sunday's race win in which he led from start to finish.

"As I've said many times already, I will fight until the end, until the last breath.

"Jenson will be looking at both sides after today."

Will Button wrap up the world championship in Brazil? - Latest Formula One betting

Button only needs to finish third in Brazil in two weeks' time to secure his maiden title but, since winning six of the first seven races of the season, the Briton has looked strangely off the pace.

He failed to make it through to the final qualifying session in Japan with pundits claiming he "tightened up" during his last-gasp hot lap and failed to match the pace of Vettel and reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton.

However, sportsbook favourite Button remains bullish about his chances of success ahead of two make-or-break races.

"We go to two circuits now which should suit our car so I'm excited about the end of the season and already looking forward to the next race in Brazil," he declared.

Perhaps Button's biggest challenge at Interlagos could come from within as Brazil is the home race of team-mate Barrichello, who is still his biggest rival.

The veteran South American loves racing at his home track and always seem to raise his game in Sao Paulo.

Barrichello may also draw inspiration from compatriot Felipe Massa after he needed to win 12 months ago to stand any chance of wrestling the title away from Hamilton.

He kept up his side of the bargain with a stunning drive which thrilled the home crowds, but a last-corner takeover manoeuvre from Hamilton saw his edge past Timo Glock and secure the fifth place he needed to be crowed champion.

Don't bet against some more late drama this year despite Brazil losing its traditional slot as the final race of the Formula One season.

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