Dane offers Bathurst 1000 invite to Button

Jenson Button is welcome to race for TeamVodafone at anytime, according to team boss Roland Dane.

Button had his second drive of a V8 Supercar today, adding to the four laps he completed at the Albert Park circuit last year.

Dane says that with the increased amount of two-driver endurance races, plus the opportunity for Wildcard entrants, Dane says that he wants to see the 2009 Formula One world champion compete with his team.

“Jenson did a great job, jumping in our car, but you don’t win a world championship by accident,” he told Speedcafe.com.

“He was always going to be quick, regardless of what race car he jumps in. It was good to see him enjoying to drive one of our cars.

“I’d love to see him race one of our cars. He is welcome anytime, and I’ve told him that. He’s got plenty to do in life at the moment, but if he is bored in the future, we’ve got plenty of events where we can use extra drivers.

“For sure, we’d like to have him come along and race.”

Button drove the TeamVodafone Commodore VE around the Mount Panorama circuit, setting a time of 2m17s. He also drove the McLaren Mercedes, recording a 1m48s.

Button says that he was surprised with the grip levels across the top of the mountain.

“I didn’t expect so much grip,” he said.

“It took me a while to get used to it. I haven’t hammered a car over kerbs like that for 12 years so it was a new experience for me and something I’ve missed.

“I was holding on tight all the way (across the top). It takes everything out of you. It was the experience I’ve wanted to have for many years and I’ve finally done it. In a way it’s probably not a good thing because it’s made me more hungry to come back.”